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Hic et Nunc! Festival invites Bernard Werber to fuse literature, music
Sejong Soloists perform during the Hic et Nunc! Festival at Seoul Arts Center on Aug. 24, 2024. Courtesy of Sejong Soloists
By Kim Se-jeong
French writer to narrate at August concert
The classical music festival Hic et Nunc! — Latin for “here and now” — will return for its eighth edition from Aug. 22 to Sept. 5, featuring acclaimed French writer Bernard Werber as a guest narrator.
One of the most beloved foreign authors in Korea, Werber will read excerpts from his latest book, "Le Temps des Chimeres" (2023), at the opening of a concert on Aug. 27. The book is set to be published in Korean during his visit.
His reading will be followed by the world premiere of "Chimeric Suite," composed by Kim Te-xu, taking inspiration from Werber’s book. The piece was commissioned by the festival’s organizer.
“I think this is a very creative project,” Werber said during a Zoom meeting with Korean journalists Tuesday.
“As a writer, I’ve always felt a bit disappointed that I don’t get to see the reactions of my readers. But through this project, I’ll be able to witness how people respond to my words. I have high expectations for this event.”
Organized by the Sejong Soloists, Hic et Nunc! is known for its focus on contemporary trends in classical music, new compositions and bold experimentation. While the festival includes traditional repertoire passed down for centuries, it also regularly commissions original works from living composers.
Werber will also join a tour of classical music halls in Daejeon, Gwangju, Sejong, Busan and Daegu during the festival. The paid tour will be open to the public.
French author Bernard Werber speaks during a Zoom press event regarding the Hic et Nunc! Festival with Korean journalists, Tuesday. Captured from Zoom
The festival’s literary theme continues on Sept. 5 with a program bridging poetry and music. British actor and writer Simon Robson will open the evening with a reading of T.S. Eliot’s "Four Quartets," a poem believed to have been inspired by Beethoven’s String Quartet No. 15 in A minor, Op. 132. The reading will be followed by a performance of the quartet by members of the Sejong Soloists.
Leading up to the concert, a lecture on T.S. Eliot and Beethoven’s quartet will take place on Aug. 29 at Sojeonseolim, a cultural library in southern Seoul. The lecture will be delivered by professor Bong Joon-soo of Seoul National University — the older brother of Parasite director Bong Joon-ho — and professor Chae Hyun-kyung of Ewha Womans University.
In addition to its literary dimensions, this year’s festival will showcase a diverse lineup of musicians.
Guitarist Jiji will make her Korean debut on Aug. 22 at the Seoul Arts Center, presenting works ranging from the Baroque era to the 21st century, followed by her own original compositions.
Cellist Yeo Yoon-soo will give a recital as part of the festival’s tradition of spotlighting rising talents. In 2016, he became the youngest-ever winner of the Frans Helmerson Award at the Kronberg Academy Festival in Germany. He is currently a permanent member of the Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel in Belgium. His recital will be held on Sept. 2 at Ewha Womans University.