Haydn Society bridges Korea, Austria

By Do Je-hae

This year marks 120 years of diplomatic relations between Korea and Austria, the homeland of iconic musicians in classical music.

The Haydn Society Korea will organize two concerts in Vienna on Nov. 6-7 to celebrate the landmark year of Korea-Austria relations as well as the 10th anniversary of the founding of the society.

The program is Haydn's Symphony No. 3; Mozart's Symphonie Concertante for violin and viola; and Mozart's Symphony No. 29 by the Seoul Academy Ensemble led by Bernd Gradwohl. The ensemble has carried out various overseas tours, such as the concert in 10 cities at the official invitation of Spain in 2005 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Spain.

A press conference for the concert will be held in Vienna on Oct. 30. "The Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Austrian Embassy in Korea have recognized the concerts as part of official events marking the 120th year of bilateral relations," Byun Ju-young, president of the society said.

The Haydn Society Korea organizes a variety of concerts here and abroad, with a focus on promoting Haydn and his contemporaries. The society also organizes the annual international Haydn competition to find musical talents and the winners are given the opportunities to perform in Austria. At the end of December, another international Haydn competition will be held.

Byun was recently named president of Haydn Schloss Kapelle, an orchestra in Vienna.

"I will continue to work as a cultural linkage between Korea and Austria as president of the orchestra," Byun said.

Byun is a professional musician, having studied the double bass in Austria. She founded the society in 2002 since obtaining a diploma from the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna under professor Streicher following graduation from Yonsei University in 1988.