London Philharmonic Orchestra Will Play in Seoul Next Week
By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter
The London Philharmonic Orchestra, led by conductor Vladmir Jurowski, will perform in Seoul, offering two full programs over three concerts, March 11-13. Internationally renowned violist Richard Yongjae O'Neill and pianist Paik Kun-woo will join the British ensemble onstage.
The 75-year-old orchestra is among the world's most distinguished, and especially after taking residence in the London Festival Hall in 1992, has actively appeared all over the United Kingdom and the international stage.
Classical music fans in Seoul will be able to experience the tour de force of the Philharmonic, which, since being led by Russian maestro Jurowski in 2006, has been praised for offering a richer and more dynamic sound. The conductor has particularly been praised for his interpretation of Prokofiev, and concertgoers will be able to appreciate it at all three performances.
March 11 at Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, the orchestra will perform music by fellow countryman Walton, the Viola Concerto with Richard Yongjae O'Neill. O'Neill is recognized as one of the leading violists of today. A recipient of the Avery Fisher Career Grant, he is a ``star'' artist here with a string of best-selling albums. Also part of the program are Turnage's Evening Songs and Prokofiev's Symphony No. 5.
March 12 at the same venue and the following day at Seoul Arts Center, world-celebrated pianist Paik will join the Philharmonic for Prokofiev's Piano Concert No. 2. Recently having completed a historic marathon concert of Beethoven's complete piano sonatas in seven days, Paik needs no introduction as an artist. Also featured in the concerts are Turnage's Lullaby for Hans, Henze's Sonata per archi and Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 6.
Tickets for all three concerts cost 50,000-200,000 won. Call 1577-5266.