By Kwaak Je-yup

The Mostly Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO), a privately-run ensemble that specializes in classical and pop pieces, started a three-part Beethoven series on Thursday.

Under the direction of Park Sang-hyun, founder and musical director, and Jung Chi-yong, the MPO performed the German composer’s Coriolan Overture, Piano Concerto No. 1 in C major, op. 15 (with Lee Hyo-joo) and Symphony No. 1 in C major, op. 21 on its first night at the Gangdong Arts Center in eastern Seoul.

The next two concerts will take place on the 31st of this month and on June 8 at the same venue.

Concentrating on earlier works, the MPO will take on the Leonore Overtures Nos. 2 and 3, op. 72a and b, Piano Concertos No. 2 in B flat major, op. 19 and No. 3 in C minor, op. 37 and Symphonies No. 2 in D major, op. 36 and No. 3 in E flat major, op. 55 on the next two nights.

Pianists Yoo Young-wook and Cho Jae-hyuk will tackle the second and third concertos, respectively.

The MPO was founded in 2003 by Park to provide mass audiences the opportunity to experience classical and popular music with a symphony orchestra. Since then, it has established itself as a go-to ensemble for opera, musical theater and movie performances and recordings.

The Beethoven series is to celebrate the orchestra’s tenth anniversary this year.