'Hanwha Classic 2025' Concludes Successfully: "Rediscovery of French Baroque Music"

Soprano Patricia Petibon and Ensemble Amarillis Make Their Korea Debut
National Merit Recipients and Families Specially Invited to Memorial Day Concert

The 13th edition of the 'Hanwha Classic' concluded successfully this year. This performance drew attention as it marked the first visit to Korea by French soprano Patricia Petibon and the early music ensemble Amarillis.

Hanwha announced on June 9 that 'Hanwha Classic 2025', hosted by Hanwha Group, was held on June 6 and 8 at the Seoul Arts Center Concert Hall. The concert was organized under the theme 'Rediscovery of French Baroque.' Titled 'The Sorceress's Fire,' it depicted the emotions of love, jealousy, and revenge through the stories of Medea and Circe, female characters from mythology. Going beyond a simple sequence of pieces, the performance unfolded as a theatrical work, drawing the audience into the narrative.

Petibon, a leading French coloratura soprano, is renowned for her wide vocal range and delicate expressiveness. She has been named the top vocalist at 'Victoires de la Musique,' France's premier music awards. On this stage, she delivered a highly accomplished performance together with Eloise Gaillard, the artistic director of Ensemble Amarillis. At the end of the concert, Petibon received enthusiastic applause for performing the Korean folk song 'Arirang' as an encore.

Cellist Lee Hyunjung commented, "The interpretations by the French performers were sophisticated, and the harmony among the strings, woodwinds, and percussion was impressive." Music critic Jang Ilbeom said, "I was happy to finally experience Petibon's long-awaited first performance in Korea," adding, "I was able to fully appreciate the beauty of French opera."

The concert on June 6 specially invited national merit recipients and their families in honor of Memorial Day. Hanwha stated, "We wanted to express our gratitude and respect to veterans' families through music." Audience members shared their thoughts, saying, "It was a special experience to find comfort through music on Memorial Day."

Hanwha Classic, a concert series that began in 2013, has contributed to expanding the base of Baroque music in Korea by introducing world-renowned early music artists. Hanwha plans to continue a variety of cultural and social contribution activities in the future.