Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra's First Collaboration with Chinese Conductor Long Yu and Violinist Ning Feng

First Collaboration with Conductor Long Yu and Violinist Ning Feng
Performing Masterpieces by Mussorgsky, Prokofiev, and Rachmaninoff

The Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra (SPO) will collaborate for the first time with Chinese conductor Long Yu and violinist Ning Feng at its regular concerts held on the 10th and 11th at 8 p.m. at Lotte Concert Hall.

Together, they will perform works by Russian composers Mussorgsky, Prokofiev, and Rachmaninoff.

Long Yu is a leading conductor representing China, serving as the artistic director of the China Philharmonic Orchestra, music director of the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, honorary music director of the Guangzhou Symphony Orchestra, and principal guest conductor of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra. He is also co-director of the Shanghai Outdoor Music Festival, chairman of the Beijing Music Festival Arts Committee, vice president of the Chinese Musicians Association, and chairman of the Chinese Symphony Orchestra Federation.

Violinist Ning Feng [Photo by Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra]

In 2018, Long Yu became the first Chinese conductor to sign an exclusive contract with Deutsche Grammophon and released recordings with the Shanghai Symphony. The New York Times described him as the "Karajan of China," recognizing him as a significant conductor in the Chinese classical music scene.

He stated, "Chinese people have a special affection for Russian music," adding, "For my debut with the Seoul Philharmonic, I have prepared works imbued with the deep emotions and unique melodies characteristic of Russia."

The first piece will be Mussorgsky's opera 'Khovanshchina' Prelude. 'Khovanshchina' is a work that illuminates the turbulent Russian society at the end of the 17th century, and the prelude is also known by the separate title 'Dawn on the Moscow River.'

Next, Ning Feng will perform Prokofiev's Violin Concerto No. 2, filled with rich melodies, diverse motifs, and subtle lyricism.

Ning Feng won the Michael Hill Violin Competition in 2005 and the Paganini Competition in 2006. He is a highly skilled performer who toured Asia, Europe, and Australia as a soloist with the Hong Kong Philharmonic conducted by Jaap van Zweden. He has served as a resident musician with the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra and the China National Centre for the Performing Arts Orchestra, and has performed with world-renowned orchestras such as the New York Philharmonic, Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, and London Philharmonic Orchestra. Recently, he released recordings of Prokofiev and Shostakovich violin concertos and continues to be very active.

Violinist Ning Feng [Photo provided by Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra, (c) Tianyou Zhang]

The final piece to be performed is Rachmaninoff's grand 'Symphonic Dances,' the last major work he composed. It features distinctive rhythms and colors, encompassing Rachmaninoff's accumulated compositional techniques and unique orchestration.

Composed in 1940 in the United States, this piece combines the sentiment of Russian Romanticism with modern harmonies and rhythms, creating a unique color. Notably, it highlights ever-changing harmonies, grotesque rhythms, and the use of new instruments such as alto saxophone and piano. The first movement expresses nostalgia for a lost homeland and tender memories of youth; the second movement reflects the chaotic late-Russian era with eerie spirits and an enchanting waltz; the final movement contrasts themes of death and resurrection, culminating in a majestic finale with a fervent atmosphere of victory.

Ticket prices range from 10,000 to 100,000 KRW depending on seat grade and can be purchased through the SPO website and call center. SPO website members can receive a 10% discount for up to four tickets per person, and members aged 24 or younger can receive a 40% discount for themselves only.