Saint-Saens' Symphony No. 3 "Organ"
to Be Performed at Busan Concert Hall
on September 2
The Busan Symphony Orchestra (BSO) will present the world premiere of Symphony No. 1 "Busan" by composer Ha Soonbong (65), a native of Busan, at its regular concert to be held at Busan Concert Hall on September 2.
Symphony "Busan" is a commissioned work by BSO to commemorate the opening of Busan Concert Hall, and was composed by Ha Soonbong, who studied in Germany and Switzerland.
Symphony "Busan" is scored for triple winds and consists of two movements, but each movement is divided into two sections, making it effectively a four-movement structure. This structure is the same as that of Saint-Saens' Symphony No. 3 "Organ." In this concert, BSO will perform Saint-Saens' "Organ" Symphony following "Busan."
The first movement of "Busan" is subtitled "Legend and Sea," while the second movement is subtitled "Elegy and Festival."
The first section, "Saga," captures the birth of Korea and its grand spirit. "Meer" expresses the urban symbolism of Busan as the end of the continent and the beginning of the ocean. The second movement, "Nanie," is a requiem for the young people resting at the United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Busan, and is a song of mourning. "Fest" is a communal celebration in which everyone becomes one, transcending conflict and division. It incorporates elements of Hwimori rhythm, Sesanjo mode, and minimalism.
The following performance of Saint-Saens' Symphony No. 3 "Organ" will feature organist Shin Dongil as soloist. The concert is expected to showcase the appeal of the pipe organ at Busan Concert Hall.
Busan Concert Hall, which opened in June, is the first venue outside the capital region to install a large-scale pipe organ. The pipe organ, made by Freiburger, features 4,423 pipes and 64 stops.
BSO is Busan's oldest private orchestra, celebrating its 32nd anniversary this year. BSO Artistic Director and Distinguished Professor at National Pukyong University, Oh Chunggeun, will conduct the concert.
Artistic Director Oh Chunggeun said, "I hope this concert will be an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of Symphony 'Busan' and the Organ Symphony, as well as the significance of a dedicated classical concert hall in Busan." He added, "This performance is not only about anticipation for the future of the concert hall, but also a tribute of gratitude to those who have protected and developed the Busan music scene over the many years leading up to this moment."
This concert is supported by the Busan Metropolitan City and the Busan Cultural Foundation, with special sponsorship from Shinsegae, Dongsung Motors, Songwol Towel, and BNK Busan Bank.
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