The National Symphony Orchestra will focus on the works of Camille Saint-Sa?ns at its 40th anniversary concert on March 30. Performances honoring Maurice Ravel, who marks his 150th birth anniversary this year, and Dmitri Shostakovich, commemorating the 50th anniversary of his passing, are also planned.
The National Symphony has unveiled its 2025 performance schedule.
The 40th anniversary concert, titled "New Origin, A New Beginning," will feature three works by Saint-Sa?ns. The program opens with the overture to the opera The Princess of the East, followed by Piano Concerto No. 5 "Egyptian" and Symphony No. 3 "Organ." Canadian pianist Louis Lortie will join as soloist for the Piano Concerto No. 5 "Egyptian."
Marking its 40th anniversary, the National Symphony has chosen "New Origin" as the theme, bridging tradition and innovation. Saint-Sa?ns, who developed his musical language between tradition and modernism, was selected as the composer fitting this theme.
Maurice Ravel, a composer who continues to inspire with his rich harmonies and innovative orchestration, will be highlighted in two concerts on July 5 and September 5. The July 5 concert will explore Ravel’s music through the Daphnis et Chlo? Suite No. 2 and La Valse. British pianist Paul Lewis will perform Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5 "Emperor" as a soloist that day. On September 5, the orchestra will perform Ravel’s orchestration of Mussorgsky’s piano suite Pictures at an Exhibition.
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of Shostakovich’s passing, conductor Anna Lakitina (36), born to a Ukrainian father and Russian mother, will lead Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 11 "1905" on December 6. This work depicts the 1905 revolution, known in Russian history as "Bloody Sunday," offering timeless profound consolation and insight.
In addition to Lakitina, many female musicians will grace the National Symphony stage this year. Eliso Virsaladze (83), revered as the doyenne of Russian pianism; Victoria Mullova (66), considered a world-class violinist alongside Jung Kyung-hwa and Midori Goto; and cellist Camille Thomas (37), known as the "Cellist on the Roof" during the pandemic, will all perform. Virsaladze will collaborate on Schumann’s Piano Concerto at the December concert conducted by Lakitina. Trumpeter Matilda Lloyd (30) will also make her Korean debut at this performance.
David Rylander, Artistic Director of the National Symphony Orchestra [Photo by National Symphony Orchestra]
Works by contemporary composers will also be spotlighted. On June 13, the National Symphony’s resident composer No Jae-bong’s new piece Diorama will reflect on today’s false social realities, and Turkish pianist-composer Fazil Say’s cello concerto Never Give Up will convey messages of freedom and peace.
The first regular concert of the year on February 26 will feature Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 "Choral," typically performed at year-end. The second regular concert on March 9 will present Verdi’s Requiem.
Tickets for the 2025 season will go on sale at 4 p.m. on the 7th via Interpark exclusively for National Symphony Orchestra paid members (Conassimo). Paid member reservations for each venue will be available from 4 p.m. on the 1st and 9th through the websites of the Seoul Arts Center and Lotte Concert Hall. General ticket sales begin at 4 p.m. on the 10th via Interpark. Ticket prices are KRW 70,000 for R seats, KRW 50,000 for S seats, KRW 30,000 for A seats, and KRW 20,000 for B seats. For more details, please visit the National Symphony Orchestra website or contact by phone.
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