A Modern Take on Salon Concerts: Classical Performances on a Stage Decorated with Luxury Furniture

A Modern Take on the European Salon Concert
Luxury Furniture and Lighting Set the Stage for Classical Music Collaboration
PAPA and Fully Bring Art and Design Together at Suseong Artpia Small Theater

On August 16, the Saturday Concert at the Seoul Arts Center featured a program consisting solely of three works by Beethoven. These three pieces were originally performed in March 1807 at a private concert held at the residence of Prince Lobkowitz, Beethoven's patron. At that time, so-called salon concerts were common, where a small audience would gather in the private spaces of the upper class or art enthusiasts to enjoy performances.

Next month, the "PAPAX Suseong Artpia Planning Series," co-hosted by the Asia Pacific Pianists Association (PAPA) and Daegu Suseong Artpia, will present a classical music concert designed to recreate the atmosphere of those historic salon concerts. Unlike typical solo recitals where only a piano is placed on stage, this event will feature a stage beautifully arranged with luxury furniture and lighting. The premium secondhand living platform "Fully" will participate as a sponsor.

Hansang Il, representative of PAPA, introduced the PAPAX Suseong Artpia Planning Series as a curated concert during a press conference held at the Fully office in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, on the 19th. He stated, "Salon concerts in 18th and 19th century Europe were held in aristocratic homes or small salon spaces," and added, "We aim to present a performance that offers a modern reinterpretation of that atmosphere."

Yoonkyung Lee, representative of Fully, commented, "We must ensure that nothing detracts from the pianist's performance," adding, "The piano will be placed at the center of the stage, and luxury furniture that complements the repertoire will be arranged behind it to decorate the stage." She also remarked, "The stage may even resemble an advertisement photo from an interior design magazine."

Fully is a platform that connects people who want to sell luxury furniture with those who wish to purchase it. Lee explained, "We collect used luxury furniture, clean and restore it as much as possible without damaging its original form, and then offer it for resale or rental." Fully handles more than 200 brands, including Fritz Hansen, Cassina, Artemide, and Herm?s.

Hansangil, representative of the Asia Pacific Pianists Association (PAPA) (left), and Yoonjung Lee, representative of Fulty, are taking a commemorative photo at the Fulty showroom in Yongsan-gu, Seoul on the 19th.
Photo by Asia Pacific Pianists Association

The Suseong Artpia Small Theater will host a total of five performances over four Sundays next month. The schedule includes a solo recital by pianist Park Jinhyung, winner of the 2016 Prague Spring International Music Competition in the piano category; a solo recital by Japanese pianist Yukine Kuroki; and a piano quartet performance featuring Professor Ilya Rashkovskiy of Sungshin Women's University. Before each performance, a professional exhibition curator will provide an explanation of the furniture and lighting arranged on stage.

Hansang Il explained, "We chose a small theater because we believe that the meaning of a salon concert is diminished in large venues such as the Seoul Arts Center Concert Hall or Lotte Concert Hall."

He expressed his hope that the audience would feel as comfortable as if they were enjoying music in their everyday spaces. "Classical music can sometimes feel inaccessible to the public, but I hope people will experience art in a new way on a stage designed to resemble a showroom or a familiar space. If classical music can naturally blend into daily life, I believe it will help popularize the genre."

PAPA and Fully plan to continue their collaboration in the future. Hansang Il said, "We are planning a Christmas concert in Seoul at the end of this year and are currently searching for a venue."

Yoonkyung Lee stated, "This stage is an attempt to break down the boundaries between art and design," and added, "Since art is ultimately interconnected, we will continue to seek collaborations with the cultural and artistic fields."