Seocho Symphony Orchestra Conducts Commemorative Music Diplomacy in Berlin and London

Invitation of German Miners, Nurses, and British Korean War Veterans
Concerts Marking the 80th Anniversary of Liberation and the 75th Anniversary of the Korean War

The Seocho Symphony Orchestra from Seocho District in Seoul held a European tour in Berlin, Germany, and London, UK, in celebration of the 80th anniversary of Liberation and the 75th anniversary of the Korean War, enhancing the prestige of both the Republic of Korea and Seocho as a city of culture and the arts.

The Seocho Symphony Orchestra announced on July 7 that it hosted the "Resonance of Light K-Classic Concert" at Funkhaus Berlin, a radio broadcasting hall in Berlin, Germany, on July 2, and the "80th Anniversary of Liberation Commemoration World Peace Concert" at the Rose Theatre in London, UK, on July 4.

On the 2nd, at the "Resonance of Light K-Classic Concert" held in Berlin, Germany, Seongsoo Jeon, Mayor of Seocho District (first from the right in the second row), is taking a commemorative photo with the Seocho Symphony Orchestra. Provided by Seocho District.

This tour combined commemorative music diplomacy with cultural and artistic exchange, and was planned to raise global awareness of the historical significance of Liberation and to honor the friendship with countries that participated in the war. At the Berlin concert, German miners and nurses who had worked in Korea were invited to reflect on their ties with the country. In London, the event was attended by British Korean War veterans, leaders of the Korean community, the Duke of Edinburgh (brother of King Charles III), London Mayor Sadiq Khan, and other prominent figures, further highlighting the historical importance of the performance.

Seocho District Mayor Jeon Seongsoo also visited the venues in person to encourage the Seocho Symphony Orchestra, which is at the forefront of commemorative music diplomacy, and to interact with veterans and international audiences, delivering messages of gratitude and peace.

The Seocho Symphony Orchestra's tour will continue in the future. Following its performance in Washington, USA, in April, and the concerts in Berlin and London this month, the orchestra plans to hold additional concerts in Guatemala and Mexico this November to express gratitude to Korean War veterans and their families.

The Seocho Symphony Orchestra, the resident ensemble of the Seocho Cultural Foundation, is led by conductor Bae Jonghun. The 60-member orchestra is composed of students and professional artists from various age groups. Since its founding in 2016, it has presented high-quality classical performances to residents through New Year’s and year-end concerts, and has organized an annual UN Peace Concert to instill pride and emotion in UN veterans of the Korean War. In 2023, the orchestra delivered a deeply moving finale with world-renowned soprano Sumi Jo, performing "Arirang" at the "Korean War Armistice and 70th Anniversary of the Korea-US Alliance Commemorative Concert" held at Carnegie Hall in New York.

Seocho District Mayor Jeon Seongsoo stated, "This performance by the Seocho Symphony Orchestra was a precious opportunity to express our gratitude to the countries and veterans who participated in the Korean War," and added, "Through this journey of appreciation, utilizing the artistic assets of Seocho, Korea's premier district for classical music, we will continue to pursue commemorative music diplomacy."

Performance scene of the "80th Anniversary of Liberation Commemoration World Peace Concert" held in London, UK, on the 4th. Provided by Seocho-gu.