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[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] "I will make the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra a chameleon-like ensemble that produces a variety of colors."

Yap Van Zweden, the music director who will lead the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra starting next year, stated this on the 17th at a press conference held at the Seoul Philharmonic rehearsal room in Sejong Center, Jongno-gu, Seoul. He said, "It is a great honor to be offered the position of music director by such an excellent orchestra as the Seoul Philharmonic."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Earlier, on the 12th and 13th, Zweden took the podium for the regular concert, showcasing his strengths with works by Wagner and Brahms. At the press conference, he also announced plans to present a diverse repertoire with the Seoul Philharmonic in the future.

Having arrived in Korea last week for the performance, Zweden shared, "I had a happy week in Korea," adding, "Personally, I have many Korean friends, so coming to Seoul feels like coming home."

He spoke about his special connection with Korea, mentioning violinist Kang Hyo, who was his teacher during his studies at the Juilliard School in the United States. "Teacher Kang Ho, who has always played an important role in my life, influenced me more than any other mentor," he said. "I believe that much of the future of classical music lies in the East, which led me to start working with the Hong Kong Philharmonic 11 years ago."

As a violinist, he was appointed the youngest concertmaster of the world-renowned Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra (RCO) in his home country, the Netherlands, at the age of 19, and performed there for 16 years. He began his conducting career in earnest at age 36. Known as an 'orchestra trainer' for his rigorous practice regimen and strict leadership style, he emphasized, "Thorough practice is essential to reach the highest level. For an orchestra to perform at 90% on stage, it must prepare at 110%. That is training for music."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

He continued, "I want to first explore the various possibilities that the Seoul Philharmonic holds," adding, "The atmosphere is very good, so I will work to make it produce various colors like a chameleon. Just as the road to heaven is more beautiful than heaven itself."

He currently serves as the artistic director of both the New York Philharmonic Orchestra and the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra. He mentioned that he premieres new works every two weeks with the New York Philharmonic and expressed a desire to collaborate with Jung Jae-il, the music director of 'Squid Game'.

Regarding his program plans as music director, Zweden said, "Since Wagner's world is very diverse, besides the 'Ring Cycle' I recorded with the Hong Kong Philharmonic, I would like to perform other operas such as 'Tannh?user' with the Seoul Philharmonic." He added, "As 2024 will be the first season, I plan to present music from Mozart to contemporary composers, including works by Bruckner, who will be celebrating his 200th birthday, and various other composers."

After the press conference, Zweden, who will depart for Hong Kong, plans to participate in the Seoul Philharmonic's open recruitment for orchestra members scheduled for April before his official inauguration. Additionally, he will appear on stage as the next music director for Seoul Philharmonic performances in July, November, and December, presenting a diverse repertoire including Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, and Shostakovich.

He said, "The journey has already begun. It has been a time to get to know the Seoul Philharmonic. Right now, we are at the stage of planting seeds in the ground. You cannot harvest immediately after the flowers bloom. We need to wait for them to grow fully."