Often found at theaters and museums, Kwon Mee-yoo has covered a wide range of cultural fields from K-pop and dramas to theater and fine art for over a decade. Now as K-Culture Desk editor, she tries to connect Korean culture with global readers through fresh perspectives.
Violinist Han Soo-jin to showcase British classical masterpieces
The poster for the "Han Soo-Jin and the British Original" concert / Courtesy of SH Arts & Classic
By Kwon Mee-yoo
Concert will be a survey course of British masterpieces
Violinist Han Soo-jin and Orchestra The Original, under the baton of conductor Adriel Kim, will offer a fresh perspective on British classical music to Korean audiences at an upcoming concert on Feb. 7.
Titled "Han Soo-Jin and the British Original,” the concert will highlight British classical music, which is often overshadowed by its European counterparts.
Han, heralded as one of Korea's leading next-generation violinists, brings her extensive experience and education from the United Kingdom to the stage. She has grown up in the U.K. and trained at prestigious institutions like the Yehudi Menuhin School, the Purcell School, Oxford University and the Royal Academy of Music in London. Her instrument of choice is a 1666 Stradivarius.
The concert's repertoire spans a range of British composers and styles, showcasing works that have left significant marks on the classical music landscape.
The concert will open with Joseph Haydn's Symphony No. 92 "Oxford," a tribute to the Austrian composer's connection to the U.K.
It will then lead the audience through a journey of British classics, including Ralph Vaughan Williams' "Fantasia on Green Sleeves" and "The Lark Ascending.” Han’s interpretations will reflect her deep understanding of British sentiment and culture. Her rendition of "The Lark Ascending" is particularly anticipated, as it is well-known to the Korean public after being used as the background music for Kim Yu-na's free program in the 2006-7 season.
Orchestra The Original and conductor Kim have been instrumental in introducing neoclassical music to Korean audiences. In this concert, they will explore Edward Elgar's "Enigma Variations," specifically No. 8 "W.N." and No. 9 "Nimrod.” Max Richter's innovative "Recomposed: Vivaldi — The Four Seasons” will give a glimpse into a more contemporary side of British classical music.
The Korean premiere of Eric Coates' "London Suite," a quintessential example of mid-20th century British light music, will close the evening. This piece, characterized by its lyrical melodies and light-hearted nature, has been an integral part of British culture, including being featured in national events like the 2012 London Olympics opening ceremony.
Kim, the artistic director of Orchestra The Original, is known for his creative approach to classical music. Having conducted premieres of contemporary works and rediscovered classics in Korea, he will bring a rich and diverse experience to the podium with a British flair at the concert.
"Han Soo-Jin and the British Original" will be held at the Concert Hall of the Seoul Arts Center on Feb. 7 at 7:30 p.m.