By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter
The Seoul Arts Center celebrated its 20th anniversary with a festive night of music Friday, with pianist Kim Sun-wook and soprano Shin Young-ok in its concert hall in southern Seoul.
Prominent social figures and 400 guests, invited through an online draw, took part in the special concert, where distinguished Japanese-born Korean conductor Kim Hong-je led the KBS Symphony Orchestra. The 19-year-old pianist gave his first ― and thoroughly moving ― performance of Rachmaninov's second piano concerto.
The New York Metropolitan Opera's leading lady Shin sang beautiful operatic arias.
Particularly notable was the encore ``duet'' piece ``It's Impossible'' where Kim's piano tunes blended in perfect harmony with Shin's angelic voice.
Since its opening in 1988, the center has been the nation's first and foremost complex center exclusively dedicated to cultural and artistic themes.