The Bundang Youth Orchestra made a remarkable debut of an original composition titled "Waterlight Garden" at the closing ceremony of the 2025 UN Youth Environment Conference. The performance took place on November 16 at the National Institute for International Education in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, marking a significant moment where music met environmental advocacy.
The composition was created by 13-year-old Bang Seo-jun, a first-year student at Bopyeong Middle School, who drew inspiration from an extraordinary urban transformation project. The piece captures the rebirth of a long-abandoned sewage treatment plant in Gumi-dong, Seongnam, which was converted into a vibrant cultural complex known as the Seongnam Waterlight Garden. This remarkable facility opened its doors to the public in June, with the Waterlight Garden Music Hall hosting its inaugural concert the following month in July.
Bang not only composed the piece but also performed the piano part during the UN conference presentation. He was joined by three talented string players to form a piano quartet: Shim Min-ju, an 11th-grade student at BIS, and Park Hye-rin, also an 11th grader at Korea International School, both playing violin, along with Oh Seo-hyun, a 10th-grade student at KIS, who performed on cello. The young composer's ability to translate the story of environmental restoration into musical form demonstrated the power of art to communicate important messages about sustainability and renewal.
The Bundang Youth Orchestra has established itself as more than just a musical ensemble since its founding in 2008. The organization has consistently demonstrated a commitment to social outreach through performances in prisons and various community events, using music as a bridge to connect with diverse audiences. This dedication to community service earned the orchestra recognition as a Dream School by the Gyeonggi Provincial Office of Education in 2017, acknowledging their educational and social contributions.
The orchestra celebrated a major milestone in 2019 with its 10th anniversary, reflecting on a decade of musical excellence and community engagement. Looking ahead, the ensemble is preparing for another meaningful performance scheduled for December 21 at the Seongnam Arts Center. This upcoming concert will be part of the 2025 Beautiful Journey concert series and will feature collaborative performances with musicians with disabilities, further demonstrating the orchestra's commitment to inclusivity and social awareness through music.
