The Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra is embracing a bold new vision under Music Director Jaap van Zweden, who outlined plans for the ensemble's future at a press conference held Tuesday at The Prima Art Center in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Van Zweden described his approach as creating a "chameleon-like" orchestra that balances traditional classical repertoire with contemporary diversity, setting the stage for an ambitious fall and winter season.
"This is a blueprint of what we have done over the past year, balancing legacy with adaptability," van Zweden explained during the press conference. "The future for a symphonic orchestra is to be a chameleon. We're always looking for brilliant musicians and talent, and you see that in our programming." His vision emphasizes the orchestra's ability to adapt and showcase different musical colors while maintaining its classical foundation.
A prime example of this philosophy sits in the collaboration with Jung Jae-il, the 43-year-old composer and music director known primarily for his acclaimed film and television scores for "Parasite," "Squid Game," and "Mickey 17." Despite his 27 years of experience in music and reputation as an "artists' artist," Jung initially doubted his ability to compose for a full orchestra. He admitted feeling "so small" next to the Seoul Philharmonic's tradition of performing works by masters like Brahms, Beethoven, and Mahler.
Van Zweden's encouragement proved transformative for Jung's creative process. "The biggest risk in life is not taking the risk. Don't compare yourself with others," the music director told Jung. He encouraged the composer to simply "tell a story," reminding him that music doesn't need to compete with the past but can reflect the present moment. This mentorship approach exemplifies van Zweden's broader philosophy of nurturing diverse musical voices within the classical framework.
The result of this collaboration is "Inferno," a 15-minute orchestral piece that will premiere with the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra. Jung drew inspiration from the final paragraph of Italo Calvino's "Invisible Cities," exploring whether something beyond the inferno that exists within and around us can be found. "The music gradually layers before erupting like a volcano and taking on many different forms," Jung explained. "In the end, what matters most is what the audience feels for themselves, and my only hope is that the piece lingers in their hearts as they leave the concert hall."
The Seoul Philharmonic's fall season launch will feature Jung's "Inferno" premiere alongside established masterworks. The program also includes Rachmaninoff's "Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini," featuring soloist Park Jae-hong, winner of the prestigious 2021 Busoni Competition. The evening concludes with Brahms' Symphony No. 1, a monumental work that took the composer over two decades to complete. These performances are scheduled for Thursday and Friday at Seoul's Lotte Concert Hall.
Following the Seoul performances, the orchestra will embark on a historic United States tour, marking a significant milestone in the ensemble's international presence. The Seoul Philharmonic has received its first-ever invitation to perform at Carnegie Hall, where they will present the U.S. premiere of Jung's "Inferno" at the venue's iconic Stern Auditorium on October 27. The Carnegie Hall program will also feature Rachmaninoff's Symphony No. 2 and Mendelssohn's Violin Sonata, with violinist Kim Bomsori, a laureate of both the Wieniawski and ARD competitions.
The tour continues with performances at the McKnight Center for the Performing Arts at Oklahoma State University, where the orchestra will present four unique concerts. These performances will combine new works with popular repertoire, showcasing what van Zweden describes as the Seoul Philharmonic's "distinctive colors." In addition to Jung's work, the tour will introduce another contemporary piece: Shin Donghoon's "Upon His Ghostly Solitude," a work co-commissioned by the Seoul Philharmonic, Los Angeles Philharmonic, and Bamberg Symphony.
For van Zweden, the U.S. tour represents a deeply personal full-circle moment in his career. The Dutch conductor noted that he is returning to America with the Seoul Philharmonic as its music director after years of working with orchestras that included many Korean musicians. His connection to Korea runs deep, including his studies with Korean teachers such as Kang Hyo at Juilliard. "This time, I carry with me a sense of national pride, presenting not just individual talents but Korea's flagship orchestra," he explained.
Van Zweden believes American audiences may be surprised by the dynamism and vitality of Asia's classical music scene, particularly in Korea, where classical music enjoys what he describes as a "phenomenal following." He sees the tour as an opportunity to showcase both the high quality of the Seoul Philharmonic and the broader strength of Korea's musical culture to international audiences.
"Bringing the Seoul Philharmonic to New York makes me very proud," van Zweden said, referring to his return to the city where he previously served as music director of the New York Philharmonic. The tour represents not just a performance opportunity but a cultural exchange that allows the world to encounter the vitality and excellence of Korea's classical music scene through one of its most prestigious ensembles.
