Across South Korea's classical-music scene, artists and organizations are increasingly bridging traditional and contemporary idioms and bringing together Eastern and Western aesthetics. Cross-generational collaborations are opening wider opportunities for emerging performers and nudging the field toward greater sustainability.
Against this backdrop, the Seoul Classic Ensemble — affiliated with the Seoul Classical Music Association and led by president Cho Yunseo — will present its inaugural concert, First Resonance: Beyond Time and Borders, on May 28 at Ilshin Hall in Seoul.
The program emphasizes fresh interpretations rooted in Korean sensibility, highlights collaborations between the traditional haegeum and a Western-style string ensemble, and spotlights young performers. By placing works from different eras and traditions on a single program, the concert examines where tradition meets modernity, and East meets West.
The program includes the Korean premiere of composer Lee Eunyoung's wu-ri-no-rae, a rearrangement of \"Watermill Song,\" and the Korean premiere of William Grant Still's \"Mother and Child.\" Astor Piazzolla's \"Oblivion\" appears in a new arrangement for haegeum and ensemble, alongside Dmitri Shostakovich's String Quartet No. 8 and Edvard Grieg's Holberg Suite.
Haegeum player and special guest Kwon Saebyeol will perform with the string ensemble, underscoring the tonal dialogue between Korean traditional instruments and Western strings.
The ensemble is led by director Park Jaeyeon and music director Ahn Eunju. Violin I features Ahn Eunju, Kim Hyunji, Yoo Sujin, and Cho Jungmin; Violin II includes Kim Haeun, Han Gahyun, Han Jaemin, and Kim Dohye. The viola section comprises Kim Jiseong, Moon Yeojin, and Lee Yerim. Cellists are Choi Seohee, Kim Heesoo, and Yang Chaewon, with Shin Jieun and Kim Juyeon on double bass.
Beginning with this debut concert, the Seoul Classic Ensemble plans to continue creating stage opportunities that allow young musicians to gain experience and develop artistically.
Music director Ahn Eunju said, \"Our goal is not simply to run a performing ensemble; it's to build an environment where musicians can keep growing.\" She added, \"We hope to consistently discover and expand repertoire that brings Korean sensibility to the stage.\"
Reported by News Culture M.J._mj94070777@nc.press
