Berlin Philharmonic Returns to Korea After 2 Years... First-Ever Three-Day Concert Series in Over 40 Years

November 7-9 at Seoul Arts Center Concert Hall
Pianist Kim Sunwook to Perform Schumann Concerto

The world-renowned Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra will return to Korea for the first time in two years.

According to concert organizer Vincero on May 23, the Berlin Philharmonic will hold concerts at the Concert Hall of the Seoul Arts Center from November 7 to 9.

This ambitious event has been organized by Vincero in celebration of its 30th anniversary this year. In the more than 40-year history of the Berlin Philharmonic's performances in Korea, this is the first time the orchestra will perform over three days.

With a rich history spanning over 140 years, the Berlin Philharmonic first visited Korea in 1984 with the legendary conductor Herbert von Karajan. Since then, the orchestra has returned with Sir Simon Rattle in 2005, 2008, 2011, 2013, 2017, and 2023.

This year's concerts will be conducted by Kirill Petrenko, the twelfth chief conductor of the Berlin Philharmonic since the 2019-2020 season. Petrenko, who has inherited the baton from many great maestros such as Hans von B?low, Arthur Nikisch, Wilhelm Furtw?ngler, Herbert von Karajan, Claudio Abbado, and Sir Simon Rattle, has broadened the orchestra's musical horizons by exploring not only major repertoires by Beethoven and Brahms but also works by lesser-known composers.

Pianist Kim Sunwook, who serves as the artistic director of the Gyeonggi Philharmonic Orchestra, will appear as a soloist for the concerts on November 7 and 9. Kim Sunwook made his debut with the Berlin Philharmonic in 2021.

The concerts featuring Kim Sunwook on November 7 and 9 will open with Wagner's "Siegfried Idyll" and Schumann's "Manfred Overture," respectively. Kim Sunwook will then perform Schumann's Piano Concerto as a soloist. This piece is notable for its poetic flow characteristic of Schumann, its grand orchestration, and the harmonious blend with the delicate piano. The final piece will be Brahms' Symphony No. 1, which stands out for its rich tone and lyricism.

The November 8 concert will feature works distinguished by their folk elements and rhythmic vitality. The program includes Janacek's lively "Lachian Dances," based on Czech folk dances; Bartok's suite "The Miraculous Mandarin," known for its powerful percussion rhythms; and, finally, "Petrushka," one of Stravinsky's three great ballets.

Advance ticket sales for the concerts featuring Kim Sunwook on November 7 and 9 will open to paid members of the Seoul Arts Center from 1 p.m. on May 29, while tickets for the November 8 concert will be available from 4 p.m. on the same day. General ticket sales will begin on May 30 through the Seoul Arts Center, Interpark, and YES24. Tickets for the November 7 and 9 concerts will be available from 1 p.m. on May 30, and for the November 8 concert from 4 p.m. on the same day.