Cleveland Orchestra returns to Korea after 32 years

By Lee Hyo-won

It would be an understatement to say that much has changed since the last time the Cleveland Orchestra played in Korea, 32 years ago under the baton of Lorin Maazel. Back in 1978, it was a rare occasion for local classical music aficionados to hear a world-class foreign orchestra live — the upcoming concert on Saturday comes on the back of those by such ensembles as the Israel Philharmonic and Royal Concertgebouw. It will take place at the Goyang Aram Nuri Arts Complex in Gyeonggi Province, a new hall, barely six-years-old with state-of-the-art acoustics, catering to the ever-growing demand for live music performances outside the arts capital of Seoul.

The top American ensemble, known for its distinct European sound, will present fans a full orchestral program of works by the European masters — though without concertos featuring a star soloist, it is expected to deliver a powerful, roof-raising experience with Debussy’s Prelude “A l’apres d’un faune,” Mozart’s Divertimento in D major, K. 136 and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3 “Eroica.”

“The music is more than just a story of a ‘hero,”’ said the orchestra’s music director Franz Welster-Most about “Eroica,” which means “hero,” in its press release. “It’s about history, politics and humankind. It’s basically about all the struggles in life every one of us must overcome. Beethoven is able to convey this all through extraordinary, emotional music.”

Founded in 1918, the Cleveland Orchestra has been led by such renowned master conductors as George Szell and Pierre Boulez among others. Welster-Most, known for his meticulous interpretation of the score, has been leading the group since 2002, and he was recently named music director of the Vienna State Opera. The former music director of the London Philharmonic was last in Korea with the British orchestra in 1992.

The Cleveland Orchestra made its Korean debut in 1970 and visited again in 1978. It may have taken a few decades for the ensemble to return, but it shares other strong ties with the country. The Severance Hospital in downtown Seoul, the city’s first Western-style medical center, was established in 1900 by Louis Severance, father of John Long Severance, the namesake of Cleveland Orchestra’s residential Severance Hall in Ohio.

The orchestra’s associate concertmaster also happens to be a Seoul native. “I’m proud to be part of this great orchestra, and I’m happy to bring this great group to my people,” Jung-min Amy Lee was quoted as saying by Cleveland.com. “The way we’re appreciated in Europe, it’s not going to be any less.”

Tickets cost from 60,000 to 150,000 won. Call 1577-7766 or visit www.artgy.or.kr.

hyowlee@koreatimes.co.kr