Orchestre de Paris to Perform in Seoul
By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter
The Orchestre de Paris will perform in Korea for the first time in 23 years under the baton of Christoph Eschenbach. This is a rare opportunity to hear one of the world's most prestigious orchestras perform not just once ― but twice ― as the group will create magic not only in Seoul, Nov. 12, but stage another delightful repertoire the night before in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province.
Launched in 1967, the Orchestre de Paris continues the tradition of the orchestra of Paris's Concerts du Conservatoire, which dating back to 1828 is one of the world's oldest. Having returned to its long-time residence Salle Pleyer last year, the orchestra performs even more actively. With some 130 members, the group has been praised time after time for its sophisticated performances marked by ornate techniques and graceful resonance. Playing more than 80 times a year all over the world, the group has staged world premieres of pieces by leading modern composers such as Olivier Messiaen and Pierre Boulez.
World-renowned musicians have led the group, beginning with France's feted Charles Munch to Austrian maestro conductor Herbert von Karajan and the multinational star Daniel Barenboim, who brought the group to Korea in 1984.
Christoph Escenbach has led the orchestra since 2000, and in 2003 the French government honored him as Chevalier de la Legion d'honneur. Reputed for his great passion and unwavering perfectionism, the maestro is remembered as once saying, ``I hope to still be conducting when I'm 100, for I know that in my 99th year I'll still be open to discovery, and who knows perhaps even more so than now.''
The 67-year-old German native first made a name as a pianist, winning the 1965 Clara Haskil Competition, and rose to international fame when he made his U.S. debut two years later. He has since conducted world-class orchestras stretching from New York to Los Angeles and London to Vienna. He is also recognized for supporting young rising musicians such as pianist Lang Lang and soprano Renee Fleming.
Cello Accompaniment with Yang Sung-won at Goyang
On Sunday, Nov. 11, the Orchestre de Paris will perform timeless pieces by Dvorak and Berlioz at Goyang Cultural Foundation & Arts Complex. Korea's celebrated cellist Yang Sung-won _ a graduate of the Paris Conservatory ― will appear as soloist for Dvorak's Cello Concerto in b minor Op. 104. The orchestra will conclude the evening with Berlioz's Symphonie fantastique.
The concert is at 7 p.m. at Goyang Aram Nuri Art Complex. Tickets cost 60,000-200,000 won. For reservations, call 1588-7890 or 1544-1555. For more information, call 1577-7766 or visit www.artgy.or.kr.
Goyang is located northwest from Seoul and it takes about 30 minutes by car from the city. By subway, it takes less than an hour. Get off at Jeongbalsan station, which is three stops away from Daehwa, the west end of the line 3. Follow the signs to Goyang Aram Nuri, which is connected to the station by an underground passage.
Before the concert on Friday, Nov. 9, music columnist Hwang Jang-won will give a free hour-long lecture on the Orchestre de Paris and Christoph Eschenbach. Although the lecture is open to the first 40 people who register, there are still a few spots left. The lecture will be in Korean. Call 1577-7766 for more information.
Kumho World Orchestra Series in Seoul
On Monday, Nov. 12, the Orchestre de Paris's performance at Seoul Arts Center will be a feast for classic music buffs. The program includes rare-to-hear French pieces: Berlioz's ``Carnaval romain'' Ravel's ``Ma Mere l'oye,'' ``Le Bolero'' and ``La Valse.'' The orchestra will also stage Stravinski's ``L'Oiseau de feu, suite'' (1919).
This is the eighth of the ambitious Kumho World Orchestra Series. The Kumho Asiana Cultural Foundation has previously invited the New York Philharmonic, Berlin Philharmonic and NHK Symphony among others to perform in Seoul.
Tickets cost 30,000-230,000 won. A 10 percent discount is available for Kumho Art Hall members and the physically disabled. Members of the Seoul Arts Center can receive a five percent discount. For reservations, call 1588-7890 or visit www.ticketlink.co.kr. For more information about the concert, call (02) 6303-1919 or visit www.kumhoarthall.com.
The concert begins at 8 p.m. at the Concert Hall. Seoul Arts Center is located in southern Seoul near exit 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal station on line 3. It is a 10-minute walk from the station, or you can take a bus, which drops you off right across the street from the art center.