Male Choir Imaestri Heads to Europe, the 'Home of Western Music'

European Concert Tour in 5 Countries... "Planning to Deliver a Message of Hope in the Pandemic Era"

Voice Orchestra 'Imaestri' / Photo by Imaestri

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Ju-hyung] The voice orchestra 'Imaestri,' led by music director Yang Jae-moo, is embarking on an invitation concert tour across five European countries.

The orchestra, departing from Incheon Airport on the 27th, will begin its series of six performances on the 29th local time at the Wallenstein Palace in Prague, Czech Republic. Following this, they will perform on October 2nd at 'Konzertsaal MuTh' in Vienna, Austria; on the 4th at the 'Mirror Hall of the Primate’s Palace' in Bratislava, Slovakia; on the 6th at the 'Hungarian Heritage House' in Budapest, Hungary; on the 8th at the 'Kolarac Foundation Concert Hall' in Belgrade, Serbia; and finally at the 'Cultural Center' in Po?arevac, Serbia.

Since its founding, Imaestri has successfully completed 26 overseas invitation concerts in 23 cities across 12 countries over 15 years. This European tour marks their return to the international stage after 1 year and 10 months, following the New Year's concert in Harbin, China on January 1, 2020, which was interrupted by the pandemic turmoil.

Director Yang stated, "While prioritizing the goal of delivering a message of hope during the pandemic era, this tour also aims to console the souls of those who lost their lives on the occasion of the second anniversary of the tragic Hungarian cruise ship sinking." He added, "This is our second performance in Europe, the birthplace of contemporary music, and we plan to approach it with determination to firmly establish a foothold for K-Classic."

Imaestri plans to hold a touring performance while visiting famous European cities. / Photo by Imaestri

The stage, beginning with Vangelis's 'Conquest of Paradise' and 'O Fortuna,' will include Korean representative folk songs and art songs such as 'Arirang' and 'Missing Geumgangsan,' as well as familiar arias including the creative song based on Kim So-wol's poem 'Chohon (召魂).'

Among the total 110 members of the European tour, 38 vaccinated members including Professor Ok Sang-hoon of Kookmin University and Professor Lee In-hak of the University of Seoul will depart, with pianist Jo Han-sol and violinist Yang Jung-yoon joining locally for accompaniment, making a total of 41 members performing on stage.

Professor Lee Myung-chun, communication advisor for Imaestri, said, "Despite the difficulties of the pandemic, this European tour is possible thanks to the meticulous planning by Song Hyo-sook, representative of Austria WCN who oversees the Vienna Philharmonic's Asia tour, the active support of the Korea Foundation for International Cultural Exchange, and the flawless administrative support from the Korean embassies in the Czech Republic, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, and Serbia." He emphasized, "This will be a great opportunity to simultaneously showcase the excellence of K-Classic and the completeness of Korea's quarantine system to the world."