The National Orchestra of Korea, an affiliate of the National Theater of Korea, will welcome the new year with the 2025 New Year Concert on January 3, 2025, at the Haeoreum Grand Theater. This highly anticipated performance will feature an array of distinguished artists and a repertoire that blends traditional Korean music with modern orchestral flair, marking a meaningful celebration of the 80th anniversary of Korea’s liberation.
Under the baton of conductor Park Cheon Ji, renowned for his versatility across genres such as theater, dance, and jazz, the concert promises to deliver both elegance and vibrancy. Park, currently a professor at Dongguk University's Korean Music Department, has previously collaborated with the National Orchestra of Korea in programs like 2022 3-Minute Orchestra and Noon Concert Series 2023, showcasing his dynamic leadership and interpretative depth.
The concert will open with "One Song, Aegukga" (Hanaui Norae, Aegukga), composed and arranged by Son Da Hye. This piece offers a fresh interpretation of Korea’s national anthem, setting a reflective and uplifting tone for the evening. Vibraphonist Yoon Hyun Sang will then present "Yanggeum Sinawi," a modern reimagining of traditional Korean instrumental improvisation, composed and arranged by Yoon Eun Hwa. The first half concludes with a collaboration by orchestra member Hong Ji Hye on the piri, performing "Fantastique," a saenghwang concerto composed by Lee Jeong Ho.
The second half of the program begins with "Jindo Arirang Fantasia" (Jindo Arirang Hwangsanggok), composed by Kim Seong Guk and premiered in June 2023. This piece reinterprets the iconic folk song Jindo Arirang, blending its heartfelt melody with symphonic grandeur. Following this, the audience will enjoy a special performance by “Guk Ga Dae Pyo” (National Song Representatives), a quartet from the National Changgeuk Company of Korea featuring Lee Kwang Bok, Choi Yong Seok, Yoo Tae Pyeong Yang, and Kim Soo In. Their collaboration brings a contemporary edge to Korea’s traditional vocal music. The concert concludes with "Gagige" (Going Home), a concerto for orchestra composed by Park Beom Hoon, offering a powerful and emotional finale.
This year’s program reflects a thoughtful balance of tradition and innovation. It highlights the National Orchestra of Korea’s commitment to preserving Korean cultural heritage while exploring new musical horizons. The incorporation of unique instruments like the vibraphone and saenghwang alongside traditional Korean themes underscores the orchestra’s versatility and dedication to artistic collaboration.
As the audience gathers to celebrate the arrival of 2025, the concert also serves as a poignant reminder of Korea’s cultural and historical journey, particularly as the nation commemorates eight decades since its liberation. This exceptional evening promises to be both a festive and introspective beginning to the new year.
Sayart / Joy, nunimbos@gmail.com
Courtesy of the National Orchestra of Korea
The National Orchestra of Korea, an affiliate of the National Theater of Korea, will welcome the new year with the 2025 New Year Concert on January 3, 2025, at the Haeoreum Grand Theater. This highly anticipated performance will feature an array of distinguished artists and a repertoire that blends traditional Korean music with modern orchestral flair, marking a meaningful celebration of the 80th anniversary of Korea’s liberation.
Under the baton of conductor Park Cheon Ji, renowned for his versatility across genres such as theater, dance, and jazz, the concert promises to deliver both elegance and vibrancy. Park, currently a professor at Dongguk University's Korean Music Department, has previously collaborated with the National Orchestra of Korea in programs like 2022 3-Minute Orchestra and Noon Concert Series 2023, showcasing his dynamic leadership and interpretative depth.
The concert will open with "One Song, Aegukga" (Hanaui Norae, Aegukga), composed and arranged by Son Da Hye. This piece offers a fresh interpretation of Korea’s national anthem, setting a reflective and uplifting tone for the evening. Vibraphonist Yoon Hyun Sang will then present "Yanggeum Sinawi," a modern reimagining of traditional Korean instrumental improvisation, composed and arranged by Yoon Eun Hwa. The first half concludes with a collaboration by orchestra member Hong Ji Hye on the piri, performing "Fantastique," a saenghwang concerto composed by Lee Jeong Ho.
The second half of the program begins with "Jindo Arirang Fantasia" (Jindo Arirang Hwangsanggok), composed by Kim Seong Guk and premiered in June 2023. This piece reinterprets the iconic folk song Jindo Arirang, blending its heartfelt melody with symphonic grandeur. Following this, the audience will enjoy a special performance by “Guk Ga Dae Pyo” (National Song Representatives), a quartet from the National Changgeuk Company of Korea featuring Lee Kwang Bok, Choi Yong Seok, Yoo Tae Pyeong Yang, and Kim Soo In. Their collaboration brings a contemporary edge to Korea’s traditional vocal music. The concert concludes with "Gagige" (Going Home), a concerto for orchestra composed by Park Beom Hoon, offering a powerful and emotional finale.
This year’s program reflects a thoughtful balance of tradition and innovation. It highlights the National Orchestra of Korea’s commitment to preserving Korean cultural heritage while exploring new musical horizons. The incorporation of unique instruments like the vibraphone and saenghwang alongside traditional Korean themes underscores the orchestra’s versatility and dedication to artistic collaboration.
As the audience gathers to celebrate the arrival of 2025, the concert also serves as a poignant reminder of Korea’s cultural and historical journey, particularly as the nation commemorates eight decades since its liberation. This exceptional evening promises to be both a festive and introspective beginning to the new year.
