Top Artists Including Kim Jungwon to Join
A Commemorative Festival at Korea's First Piano Entry Point
The Dalseong Cultural Foundation (Chairman Choi Jaehoon) announced that on September 27 at 7:00 p.m., it will present the signature festival of Dalseong County, the 'Dalseong 100 Pianos,' at the Samunjin Permanent Outdoor Stage. This festival was previously selected for the 'Local 100' program hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
The 'Dalseong 100 Pianos' festival is based on the historical fact that the first piano was brought into Korea through the Samunjin Ferry in 1900. Every autumn, a large-scale performance centered around the piano is held in the Samunjin area.
As content that blends history, music, and local culture, the festival receives high praise from audiences each year. This year, it plans to present an even more upgraded stage, featuring high-level performances that cross genres, including classical, jazz, and popular music.
Pianist Kim Jungwon has been appointed as the festival's artistic director. For the third consecutive year, Kim will lead the event, with top Korean pianists such as Kim Honggi, Seo Hyungmin, and Son Jungbum participating as part leaders. Together with 96 performers selected from the local community and across the country, a total of 100 pianists will deliver an overwhelming resonance with 100 pianos on stage.
In addition, the 'Dalseong Piano Festival Orchestra,' conducted by Kim Yuwon, who was chosen as one of the "Six Next-Generation Conductors Leading the American Music Scene," will join the event. The orchestra will present classical masterpieces from the past to the present with a magnificent orchestral sound.
Special performances are also noteworthy. Highlights include a jazz trio stage with pianist Song Youngjoo, drummer Lim Juchan, and bassist Shin Dongha; a collaboration with violinist Shin Jia, winner of the 2008 Long-Thibaud International Competition in France; and a performance by the emotional singer-songwriter Roy Kim. Audiences can look forward to a diverse stage that transcends genre boundaries.
All performances will be delivered as full live renditions, carefully selecting works by composers from various eras to vividly convey the beauty and depth inherent in the harmony of piano music.
Chairman Choi Jaehoon stated, "'Dalseong 100 Pianos' is a festival that commemorates the historical significance of being the first place in Korea where the piano was introduced, and shares the inspiration of art together." He added, "We will do our utmost to widely promote the cultural status of Dalseong County as the host of the nation's largest piano festival."
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