Myung-Whun Chung Urgently Joins KBS Symphony Orchestra's Final Regular Concert of the Year

KBS Symphony Orchestra

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Dong-hyun] Conductor Chung Myung-whun will be urgently stepping in for the KBS Symphony Orchestra's final regular concert of the year, held on the 24th at the Seoul Arts Center Concert Hall in Seocho-gu, Seoul. Paavali Inkinen, who was scheduled to take the baton as music director starting January next year, is facing difficulties entering the country due to the spread of COVID-19.

The Beethoven Symphony No. 9 "Choral" performed this time is the last and greatest masterpiece among the nine symphonies left by Beethoven. Especially in the final fourth movement, the "Ode to Joy" section performed together with the choir contains the message of peace that composer Beethoven wished to leave to all humanity. This concert marks conductor Chung Myung-whun's reunion with the KBS Symphony Orchestra after four months since conducting Pictures at an Exhibition in August, and the highlight of the performance will be how he expresses the melodies of this piece, which Beethoven took over 30 years to complete.

The performance will feature the KBS Symphony Orchestra along with soprano Lee Yoon-jung, mezzo-soprano Yang Song-mi, tenor Kim Woo-kyung, baritone Kim Ki-hoon, and a grand combined choir of about 80 members (Goyang City Choir, Seoul Motet Choir). The overture Sibelius' Finlandia (choral version), which was scheduled to be performed, will not be played.

A KBS Symphony Orchestra official said, "We are very disappointed that Paavali Inkinen could not enter the country, but we are grateful that conductor Chung Myung-whun, who was staying in Korea, made the decision to take the stage instead," adding, "We ask for your continued support until the last performance of the year."

This regular concert will be sold with social distancing by leaving one seat between groups, and a vaccine pass will be applied. Attendance is only allowed if 14 days have passed after the second vaccination or if a negative PCR test certificate within 48 hours is presented.