The Seoul Metropolitan Chorus, joined by other local vocal groups, will premiere a grand ode to the Han River, “Han River Cantanta,” on Dec. 8 at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, Seoul. / Courtesy of Seoul Metropolitan Chorus

By Lee Hyo-won

Rarely does one see some 200 singers onstage, aside from the occasional renditions of Beethoven’s “Choral” symphony or exceptionally large-scale operas. Next month, however, such a union of local vocal groups and soloists will come together to premiere a grand ode to the Han River.

The Seoul Metropolitan Chorus, joined by the National Chorus of Korea and Seoul Metropolitan Junior Chorus, will sing “Han River Cantata” at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in Gwanghwamun, Seoul, on Dec. 8.

Composed by Lim June-hee, a professor at Korea National University of Arts, to lyrics by music critic Tak Gye-seok, the specially commissioned work celebrates the deep historical and cultural symbolism the Han River has inspired for Koreans. The country’s rapid economic growth after the 1950-53 Korean War has been dubbed “the Miracle on the Han River.”

Lim has previously written music dedicated to the river. The 2007 “Symphonic Poem Han River,” introduced not only here but also in Bulgaria, Yugoslavia, the Czech Republic and Turkey received favorable reviews. With works ranging from an opera to concerti featuring “gugak” (traditional Korean music) instruments, she is known for inventive uses of Eastern and Western composition techniques including both classical and contemporary pop styles.

“Han River Cantata” is expected to feature more of Lim’s signature infusion of gugak. The five-part piece opens with an orchestral overture that dynamically depicts the physical formation of the Han before the vocals come in to express what the river has signified to Koreans with the passage of time. Exciting melodies featuring local folk music transform into tragic cries about war and a mellow segment about the meaning of peace, before ending in a grand finale of choral music.

Oh Se-jong will conduct the Gangnam Symphony Orchestra and Seoul Metropolitan Music Orchestra. Soprano Chung Kotnim, mezzo-soprano Kim Sun-jung, tenor Lee Seung-muk and baritone Kong Byung-woo, as well as traditional singers including “pansori” (Korean opera) artist Jeong Jun-tae and “jeongga” (Korean lyric song cycles) vocalist Park Min-heui, will join the chorus groups.

Tickets range from 10,000 to 50,000 won. Call (02) 399-1777 for more information.