Gyeonggi Philharmonic to Collaborate with Berlin Philharmonic Principal Violist... Asian Premiere of Shin Donghun Concerto

Masters Series Concerts on May 29-30
Asian Premiere of Shin Donghun's Concerto "Threads of Suns"

The Gyeonggi Philharmonic Orchestra will present a collaborative performance with Amihai Gross, principal violist of the Berlin Philharmonic.

On May 29 at the Gyeonggi Arts Center Grand Theater, and on May 30 at the Seoul Arts Center Concert Hall, the Gyeonggi Philharmonic will stage "Gyeonggi Philharmonic Masters Series III - Journey." Centered on the theme of travel, the program includes Mahler's Blumine, Shin Donghun's viola concerto "Threads of Suns," and Mendelssohn's Symphony No. 3 "Scottish."

Violist Amihai Gross Photo by Gyeonggi Arts Center

Gross will perform as soloist in "Threads of Suns." This piece had its world premiere earlier this year, performed by the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, with Gross also appearing as soloist at that time. This concert is expected to mark the Asian premiere of "Threads of Suns." The piece depicts a delicate yet intense inner flow, harmoniously blending the aesthetics and narrative of contemporary music.

The first piece in the program, "Blumine," is Mahler's lyrical orchestral miniature. Lasting about eight minutes and written in a single movement, it features a lyrical trumpet melody at its core, creating a pastoral and romantic atmosphere. Scored for a small orchestra, it offers a glimpse into Mahler's early Romantic sensibility. Although originally excluded from Mahler's Symphony No. 1, the score was rediscovered by Donald Mitchell in 1966 and performed by Benjamin Britten in 1967, after which it has been performed as an independent work.

The second half of the concert features Mendelssohn's Symphony No. 3 "Scottish," a piece inspired by impressions Mendelssohn received while traveling in Scotland and completed over the course of more than ten years. The symphony vividly portrays the landscapes and spirit of Scotland through music, blending picturesque scenery, folk rhythms, and plaintive melodies. It is characterized by a majestic introduction, dramatic development, and rich orchestration.