Second Performance Since the 2016 Visit Marking the 130th Anniversary of Korea-France Diplomatic Relations
Violinist Yang In-mo and Organist Olivier Vernet Collaboration
The National Orchestra of Metz, France, announced on the 16th that it will hold performances in six cities across Korea, including Seoul, from April 29 to May 3. Photo by Labora Arts Planning
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] Amid difficulties in overseas orchestra tours due to COVID-19, the National Orchestra of Metz, France, will visit Korea in April to meet domestic audiences.
The National Orchestra of Metz announced on the 16th that it will hold performances in six cities across Korea, including Seoul, from April 29 to May 3.
The National Orchestra of Metz was originally the Lorraine National Orchestra when it first visited Korea in 2016 to commemorate the 130th anniversary of Korea-France diplomatic relations, but its name was changed in 2017 following a French government policy. Founded in 1976 as the Lorraine Philharmonic, it was promoted to a national orchestra in 2002. Since 2009, it has used Arsenal Metz, recognized as one of Europe's top concert halls, as its dedicated venue and also performs at renowned European concert halls and the Metz Opera House.
In September 2018, the National Orchestra of Metz appointed David Reiland as its new music and artistic director, actively engaging in various performances across Europe. David Reiland was also appointed artistic director of the Korean Symphony Orchestra, beginning his term in January. Among the Korean members of the National Orchestra of Metz is violinist Ko Byungwoo, who has been active since 2003.
This upcoming tour features works by 19th-century French composers and includes two soloists on stage. In the first half, violinist Yang Inmo will perform Saint-Sa?ns' Violin Concerto No. 3, and in the second half, Olivier Vernet, a leading French organist, will perform Saint-Sa?ns' Symphony No. 3. Additionally, before the solo performances, Berlioz's overture to "B?atrice et B?n?dict" will be played.
Yang Inmo, winner of the 2015 Paganini International Violin Competition, will perform with the Metz Orchestra at the Arsenal Hall in Metz on April 22 and then present the same program on Korean stages. This tour marks his first domestic tour performing with an overseas orchestra. He stated, "I look forward to the joy of discovering new colors unique to the sound of the Metz Orchestra and the joy of discovering a renewed self through the atmosphere and energy created by audiences in various regions of Korea."
Olivier Vernet serves as the principal organist at Monaco Cathedral, is a professor at the National Conservatory of Music in Nice, France, and serves as artistic director of the Monaco International Organ Festival and the Mougins Organ Festival in the French C?te d'Azur. He has been awarded the French government's Order of Arts and Letters and the Monegasque Cultural Merit Medal.
This concert is notable for its program consisting exclusively of works by French composers, fitting for a French orchestra.
The performances will be held from April 29 to May 3 in Daejeon, Daegu, Iksan, Tongyeong, Daejeon, and Seoul.
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