Masters Series III & IV to be Held Consecutive

20th Century Russian Program Featuring Shostakovich and Others on the 30th of This Month

Pianist Kim Kyu-yeon to Perform Prokofiev's Symphony No. 2

Commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the Korean War, Verdi's Grand Work 'Requiem' on the 16th of Next Month

Featuring Vocalists such as Samuel Yoon and Kim Dong-won, along with the Bucheon and Incheon City Choirs

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The private orchestra ‘Ham Shin-ik and Symphony Song’ will present a succession of 20th-century Russian music and Verdi’s masterpieces. This is the ‘2026 Masters Series,’ themed around inner human tension, death, and consolation.

First, Masters Series III will be held on the 30th at Lotte Concert Hall in Seoul. The performance will feature Shostakovich’s ‘Festive Overture,’ Prokofiev’s ‘Piano Concerto No. 2,’ and Shostakovich’s ‘Symphony No. 5.’ Pianist Kim Kyu-yeon will serve as the soloist.

This program focuses intensively on the tension and contrast characteristic of 20th-century Russian music. Shostakovich’s ‘Festive Overture,’ which opens the concert, elevates the atmosphere with bright and brilliant energy, while the following Prokofiev Piano Concerto No. 2 is a work that captures explosive technique and extreme emotional shifts. Pianist Kim Kyu-yeon is collaborating with Ham Shin-ik and Symphony Song once again, following their collaboration last year.

Part 2 features Shostakovich's Symphony No. 5. Released in 1937, this work is considered Shostakovich's representative symphony born under the Soviet regime. It is regarded as a work symbolizing the tragedy of the era, as it maintains classical form while containing a sense of tension. In particular, the deep lyricism of the third movement and the intense conclusion of the fourth movement continue to generate diverse interpretations to this day. Ham Shin-ik stated, "I have organized works with distinct musical languages and sentiments, despite being set in the same era, into a single flow," adding, "I hope the audience will experience various emotional textures through the music."

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Following this, on the 16th of next month, the Masters Series IV ‘Verdi’s Requiem’ will be performed at the Seoul Arts Center Concert Hall. This performance, co-planned with the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, was organized to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Korean War and the 70th Memorial Day.

Verdi’s ‘Requiem’ is a work famous for its dramatic structure, which is close to opera, and its overwhelming sound, despite borrowing the form of religious music. The explosive chorus and orchestra of the ‘Dies Irae’ (Days of Wrath) intersect with delicate arias to express the fear of death and the yearning for salvation. The performance features soprano Oh Mi-sun, mezzo-soprano Kim Seon-jeong, tenor Kim Dong-won, and bass-baritone Samuel Yoon, joined by the Bucheon City Choir and the Incheon City Choir.

In particular, this performance is planned to be a venue for sharing messages of peace and solidarity by inviting domestic and international war veterans, their families, and diplomatic officials. Ham Shin-ik and Symphony Song plan to honor the sacrifices of fallen patriots through music and offer comfort to bereaved families and the public.

Ham Shin-ik stated, “Verdi’s ‘Requiem’ is the most dramatic and operatic work among existing requiems,” adding that it “contains the human fear of death and a desperate plea for mercy.” He further added, “You can look forward to the energy created by the passionate musicians of Symphony Song, along with outstanding soloists and a choir.”

Founded in 2014, Ham Shin-ik and Symphony Song is considered one of Korea’s leading private orchestras. Ham Shin-ik has consistently expanded its scope of activity by collaborating with orchestras around the world, including in the United States, Europe, South America, and Asia. Symphony Song is also expanding the potential of private orchestras through creative programs and diverse performances.

Source of original article :  https://www.sedaily.com/article/20045560?ref=naver