Celebrating a Milestone in Contemporary Classical Music

Courtesy of Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra

Renowned Korean composer Unsuk Chin expresses disbelief as the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra publishes the "Unsuk Chin Edition," a collection of six solo and orchestral works. Conducted by Chung Myung-whun, Daniel Harding, Sakari Oramo, and Simon Rattle, the recordings mark only the second instance in the ensemble's history of featuring works by a living composer, following American composer John Adams.

The collaboration culminated in the release of the album, a project that took several years of preparation since its initiation in 2015. Unsuk Chin, born in Seoul in 1961, recalls the pivotal moment in 1984 when she watched the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra perform backstage in Seoul. The "Unsuk Chin Edition" showcases her vibrant and innovative contributions to contemporary music, exploring intricate sounds and structures. 

▲ Courtesy of Seoul Philharmonic OrchestraThe Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra hails Chin as "one of the most vibrant voices in contemporary music," highlighting her ability to offer "new perspectives" and create "labyrinths of innovative sounds and complex structures." The orchestra emphasizes Chin's exploration of the limits of playing technique, inviting listeners on an "exciting voyage of discovery."

Chin, who moved to Germany in 1985 to study contemporary classical music at the University of Music and Theatre Hamburg, has received notable accolades, including the Grawemeyer Award in 2004, the Arnold Schonberg Prize in 2005, and the Music Composition Prize of the Prince Pierre Foundation in 2010. In 2017, she became the first Asian composer to receive the prestigious Wihuri Sibelius Prize.

Reflecting on her contribution to music history, Chin acknowledges the uncertainty of how her works will be evaluated in the future. However, she expresses a desire for her compositions to endure beyond her lifetime, stating, "I wish my works, or at least one of them, could survive and continue to be played."

Sayart

Kelly.K, pittou8181@gmail.com