Hyundai Pharm ArtM Concert to Hold "Kim Sejun Viola Recital"

First Asian Principal Violist of the NDR Radio Philharmonic Orchestra

Hyundai Pharm announced on January 9 that it will hold the 186th ArtM Concert, "Kim Sejun Viola Recital," at Shinyoung Chamber Hall in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, on January 15.

Violist Kim Sejun is a musician who switched from violin to viola after encountering a performance by violist Hongwei Huang during a string ensemble class in college. He gained attention after winning the Hindemith International Viola Competition and the Jan Rakowski Competition in 2014, and in 2018, he became the first Korean to win second place at the Tokyo International Viola Competition. In 2019, he was appointed as the principal violist of Germany's NDR Radio Philharmonic Orchestra, becoming the first Asian to hold this position. Recently, he has continued his performance career both in Korea and abroad, including collaborations with conductor Chung Myungwhun and the Asian Philharmonic Orchestra.

This concert will showcase the unique depth and delicate technique of the viola, based on the artist's musical philosophy: "The viola is an instrument with a sound like dark chocolate, and I feel the true essence of the viola when its melody fills out the ensemble."

The prepared program features works ranging from Bach to Paganini's "La Campanella," offering pieces that highlight the viola's broad expressive range and charm, from restrained beauty to dazzling technique.

A Hyundai Pharm ArtM Concert representative stated, "The philosophy of artist Kim Sejun, who has consistently reflected on and grown through his music and life, will be fully expressed on this stage," adding, "As the first classical performance to open the new year, we hope you will fully experience the viola's dark, rich timbre and profound resonance."