Strasbourg Philharmonic Orchestra, Prestigious French Ensemble, December Korea Tour Concert

Conductor Aziz Shohakimov and Pianist Alexandre Kantorov Collaboration
Performances in Seongnam, Jinju, Andong, and Seoul; Son Yeol-eum Collaborates in Jinju

The Strasbourg Philharmonic Orchestra, a prestigious ensemble representing France with a 167-year tradition, will perform on the stage of the Concert Hall at the Seoul Arts Center in Seocho-gu on December 20. Photo by Labora Arts Planning

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] The Strasbourg Philharmonic Orchestra, a prestigious ensemble representing France with a 167-year tradition, will take the stage at the Concert Hall of the Seoul Arts Center in Seocho-gu, Seoul, on December 20.

Founded in 1855, the Strasbourg Philharmonic Orchestra made its first visit to Korea in 2017 under the baton of then principal conductor Marco Letonja (currently Music Director of the Bremen Philharmonic). A second visit planned for 2020 was canceled due to COVID-19.

This time, the orchestra will be conducted by Aziz Shokhakimov (34), who has been leading the orchestra since September last year. Shokhakimov became the permanent conductor of his home country Uzbekistan's National Orchestra at the age of 18 and proved his talent by winning second place at the Gustav Mahler International Conducting Competition in 2010 at the age of 21.

Sharing the stage as a soloist is Alexandre Kantorow (25), the first French pianist to win the Tchaikovsky Competition. He has performed with major orchestras worldwide, including the Mariinsky Orchestra, the Paris Orchestra, and the Berlin Staatskapelle.

Considering the seasonal theme of Christmas, the Strasbourg Philharmonic Orchestra will perform Bizet's "Carmen Suite No. 1," known for its vivid colors and rhythmic vitality, Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 2, and Mussorgsky's "Pictures at an Exhibition," arranged by Ravel.

Before the Seoul concert, the orchestra will perform on the 16th at Seongnam (Seongnam Arts Center), on the 18th at Jinju (Gyeongnam Culture and Arts Center), and on the 19th at Andong (Andong Culture and Arts Center). Pianist Son Yeol-eum will join as a soloist for the Jinju performance.