American pianist and composer Conrad Tao, known for his prodigious talent and innovative artistry, will make his debut with the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra. Tao is set to perform Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 23 at the “Jaap van Zweden Conducts Bruckner Symphony No. 7” concerts on December 12 and 13 at the Lotte Concert Hall in Seoul.

Tao first garnered attention at the age of eight, performing Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 12 with the Utah Chamber Music Festival Orchestra. By 2011, he became the only classical musician featured in Forbes’ “30 Under 30” for music. Now 30, he has evolved from a child prodigy into a distinguished pianist and composer, having collaborated with Jaap van Zweden at both the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and the New York Philharmonic.

The centerpiece of Tao’s performance, Piano Concerto No. 23, reflects Mozart’s lyrical and dramatic style, written during the same period as the opera The Marriage of Figaro. Known for its operatic characteristics and vocal-inspired melodies, the concerto features an exquisite Adagio that has captivated audiences for generations.

The main program of the evening will be Bruckner’s Symphony No. 7, a masterpiece celebrated for its clarity, melodic beauty, and accessibility compared to his other works. Often paired with his Symphony No. 4 as an introduction to Bruckner’s symphonic repertoire, this performance marks a tribute to the composer’s 200th birth anniversary.

Following the orchestral performances, the Seoul Philharmonic will present the “2024 Seoul Philharmonic Chamber Music Series VII: Beethoven and Smetana” on December 14 at the Sejong Center Chamber Hall. This program will feature the orchestra’s musicians performing Beethoven’s String Quartet No. 12 and Smetana’s String Quartet No. 1.

With Conrad Tao’s dynamic debut and a program that spans Mozart’s timeless elegance and Bruckner’s grandeur, the Seoul Philharmonic’s upcoming concerts promise a richly rewarding experience for classical music enthusiasts.

Sayart / Joy, nunimbos@gmail.com