KNSO Academy students showcase talent in orchestral debut

Korea National Symphony Orchestra Academy students perform during a concert at Seoul Arts Center, Wednesday. Courtesy of Korea National Symphony Orchestra

For many, the Seoul Arts Center’s prestigious main concert hall feels like a space reserved for world-class musicians and orchestras — from pianist Lim Yun-chan to the Berlin Philharmonic.

But that isn’t always the case. The venue also opens its stage to aspiring musicians, as demonstrated by Wednesday night’s "Colorful" concert, presented by students of the Korea National Symphony Orchestra (KNSO) Academy, to mark the midpoint of their program and showcase their training.

About 50 musicians, dressed in formal wear, delivered a nearly two-hour performance with strong harmonies, demonstrating the discipline and professionalism that orchestral music demands.

The program featured Saint-Saens’ Violin Concerto No. 3 in B minor, Op. 61, Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5 in E minor, Op. 64, and the Asian premiere of Korean composer Kim Eun-sung’s "Kaleidoscope for Orchestra," commissioned by the KNSO.

The evening was led by conductor Christoph Poppen, who currently directs the Cologne Chamber Orchestra in Germany and the Hong Kong Sinfonietta. Chinese American Violinist Kevin Zhu stepped in for Japan’s Daishin Kashimoto, who had to cancel due to a finger injury.

For the student performers, the concert was more than just a showcase.

“Today's performance is particularly enriching because principal conductors of renowned international orchestras joined us,” said Hwang Hae-won, 26, who played the cello.

Yoon So-jung, 24, a trombone player, reflected on the spirit of collaboration. “More than anything, I think it’s deeply meaningful to create a unified sound on stage with my colleagues.”

Launched in 2021, the KNSO Academy nurtures young musicians into mature, skillful performers through intensive training.

So far, nearly 60 students have completed the program, with 18 securing permanent positions in orchestras in Korea and abroad. Participants are paired with mentors from the KNSO as well as distinguished international musicians, receiving individualized training and opportunities to perform in both full orchestras and smaller ensembles at concert halls, museums, libraries and other venues.

This year’s cohort, which began in March, includes around 50 musicians who are spending nine months in intensive training. Among their mentors are Edgar Erik Manyak, a trombonist for the Radio Symphony Orchestra Berlin; HyunMi Kim-Bayer, second violinist for the Duesseldorf Symphony Orchestra; Kerstin Ruth Beavers, a violist for the Duesseldorf Symphony Orchestra; and Im Chae-mun, a double bass player for the London Symphony Orchestra.

Korea National Symphonic Orchestra Academy students Yoon So-jung, left, a trombone player, and cellist Hwang Hae-won pose during an interview with The Korea Times at the Seoul Arts Center, Wednesday. Korea Times photo Kim Se-jeong

Both Hwang and Yoon are deeply satisfied with the program.

“Before I joined the academy, my performances often focused solely on interpreting the pieces,” Hwang said. “Now, things have changed. Learning directly from KNSO members and international mentors has broadened my perspective. Experiencing the rhythm and color of an orchestra has expanded my understanding of music in ways solo performance never could.”

Yoon echoed the sentiment. “While training with different pieces and conductors each time, I realized the importance of understanding and coordinating their varied interpretations and colors. I’m also learning how to create a unified sound by listening carefully to one another in ensemble work.”

The participants will give another orchestral performance at the end of the program in December.