By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter
The Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra (SPO) has long been reputed as one of the country's representative music ensembles, but in recent years it has risen to become a marketable brand.
It's not unusual that the orchestra consistently performs to sold-out audiences; last year, sales went up in spite of the fact that more than half of its 127 concerts were charity events and that ticket prices were lowered for its subscription concerts.
This year, the SPO is gearing up to take the next step in its musical endeavors, Maestro Chung Myung-whun, its music director and conductor, told reporters last week in Seoul. It will offer a more ambitious program, crowned by a series of Mahler symphonies, a bona fide overseas tour and a recording project.
``It's been five years since I began leading the SPO, and during that time there has been much improvement,'' he said. He had once said it would take a decade for the orchestra to become competitive in Asia, and another ten years to become a strong player in the global music scene.
``I think we have a stronger foothold in Asia, and took that first step over the past five years. Can we take the next step in the next five years? I hope to continue making improvements but more importantly, I hope we can become an orchestra that is not just of good quality, but also respectable,'' he said, emphasizing community outreach and social welfare.
Local fans can look forward to hearing the SPO's rendition of the Mahler symphonies, a crown jewel among orchestral scores.
``Mahler is one of the most difficult among orchestral repertoires. It serves as a sort of test for orchestras. Though I like to take things slowly, I believe the Mahler series, like the overseas tours, presents a positive challenge for us. I would not push it if the orchestra members were not capable of interpreting them. The symphonies are very passionate, which is a character that suits us very well,'' he said.
Chung received rave reviews for leading the Radio France Philharmonic Orchestra, where he serves as music director, in the entire cycle of 10 symphonies. He offered local fans last year a taste of the masterpieces through events featuring Symphonies Nos. 1 and 9. Beginning in August, the Seoul Philharmonic will play Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 10.
In addition to bringing Koreans closer to the heart of classical music, the orchestra will itself travel to Europe.
Overseas tours are not new to the ensemble, but had previously been limited to free or cultural exchange-based performances. Last year, the SPO became the first Korean orchestra to be invited to a European music festival, and beginning in May it will embark on a tour through Italy, Germany, the Czech Republic and Russia.
``These concerts are not free, meaning that we will be competing in local music scenes. It's an important challenge for us,'' said Kim Joo-ho, CEO of the orchestra.
Moreover, the ensemble will make its recording debut on the label Naxos. ``Recordings are beneficial in promoting the orchestra. Distribution channels and labels are important, and Naxos offered us a contract to make five recordings. I believe they made the offer because they see sales potential,'' said Kim.
The project will be carried out under the auspices of Michael Fines, former vice president for artists and repertoire of Deutsche Grammophon. The Grammy Award-winning producer currently serves as the orchestra's senior advisor for artistic planning.
The orchestra, led by Maestro Chung, will give the first of its Great Concerto Series, Friday, featuring popular pianist Peter Jablonski for Rachmaninov's ``Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini.'' Also included on the program are Weber's ``Der Freischutz'' Overture and Schumann's Symphony No. 2, in time for the 200th anniversary of the birth of the latter composer.
Call (02) 3700-6300 or visit www.seoulphil.or.kr for more information.