Sayart.net - Korean-German Musical Collaboration Unites Young Talents in Seoul Concert

  • September 06, 2025 (Sat)

Korean-German Musical Collaboration Unites Young Talents in Seoul Concert

Sharon Jung / Published October 30, 2024 10:19 PM
  • -
  • +
  • print
Friedemann Eichhorn, artistic director of the Kronberg Academy, Courtesy of Korean Chamber Orchestra

The Korean Chamber Orchestra (KCO) and Germany's prestigious Kronberg Academy are set to host a special concert featuring promising young musicians from Korea and Germany. The event, scheduled for November 29 at Doam Hall in the Arts Center Seoul, is designed to foster artistic collaboration and provide invaluable international exposure to emerging talent from both countries. This concert is part of a broader exchange program that offers young musicians the chance to hone their skills while building connections within the global music community.

This collaboration between the KCO, which will soon mark its 60th anniversary, and the Kronberg Academy, celebrated for its exceptional training in classical music, represents a significant step toward amplifying Korean and German musical exchanges. By creating an international stage for young artists, both organizations aim to encourage the growth of chamber music on a global scale and enhance mutual cultural understanding.

The concert program, curated and directed by Friedemann Eichhorn, artistic director of the Kronberg Academy, promises an evening of classic works performed by some of the most promising young talents. Kicking off the event will be Mozart’s lively "Divertimento in D Major, K.136," setting an upbeat tone for the evening. This will be followed by Haydn’s "Cello Concerto No.1 in C Major," featuring cellist Petar Pejčić from the Kronberg Academy, who will be making his debut in Korea. The concert then moves to Beethoven’s "Piano Concerto No.1 in C Major," with pianist Justus Eichhorn taking center stage, bringing a touch of Beethoven’s spirited character to the performance.


Courtesy of Korean Chamber Orchestra

To close the evening, the KCO will perform Mozart’s "Symphony No.29 in A Major." This finale not only highlights the enduring appeal of Mozart’s symphonic works but also serves as a homage to the KCO’s enduring contributions to the chamber orchestra music scene in Korea. The selection of pieces reflects both the rich European classical tradition and the modern collaborative spirit embodied by the KCO and the Kronberg Academy.

For over 25 years, the KCO has been actively supporting young musicians through initiatives like the annual KCO competition, a program designed to identify and cultivate the next generation of Korean classical artists. This year, cellist Lee Ji-eon, the winner of the KCO competition, had the opportunity to attend the Kronberg Academy in September, where she performed with the esteemed Kremerata Baltica, an orchestra founded by renowned violinist Gidon Kremer. This experience exemplifies the kind of international exposure and networking opportunities the KCO aims to provide to young artists.

Kim Min, the KCO's music director for four decades, reiterated the orchestra’s commitment to nurturing young talent. “The orchestra will keep supporting promising Korean performers to help them succeed on the global stage,” Kim stated, underscoring the KCO’s dedication to building a bridge between Korean musicians and the world’s classical music community.

As both the KCO and the Kronberg Academy look toward the future, their partnership reflects a shared vision of cultural exchange, mutual respect, and artistic excellence. This concert marks an important moment for the two organizations and offers a unique experience for Seoul’s classical music audience, celebrating not only the talents of these young musicians but also the enduring power of musical collaboration to transcend borders.


Sayart / Sharon Jung, guhuijeong784@gmail.com

Friedemann Eichhorn, artistic director of the Kronberg Academy, Courtesy of Korean Chamber Orchestra

The Korean Chamber Orchestra (KCO) and Germany's prestigious Kronberg Academy are set to host a special concert featuring promising young musicians from Korea and Germany. The event, scheduled for November 29 at Doam Hall in the Arts Center Seoul, is designed to foster artistic collaboration and provide invaluable international exposure to emerging talent from both countries. This concert is part of a broader exchange program that offers young musicians the chance to hone their skills while building connections within the global music community.

This collaboration between the KCO, which will soon mark its 60th anniversary, and the Kronberg Academy, celebrated for its exceptional training in classical music, represents a significant step toward amplifying Korean and German musical exchanges. By creating an international stage for young artists, both organizations aim to encourage the growth of chamber music on a global scale and enhance mutual cultural understanding.

The concert program, curated and directed by Friedemann Eichhorn, artistic director of the Kronberg Academy, promises an evening of classic works performed by some of the most promising young talents. Kicking off the event will be Mozart’s lively "Divertimento in D Major, K.136," setting an upbeat tone for the evening. This will be followed by Haydn’s "Cello Concerto No.1 in C Major," featuring cellist Petar Pejčić from the Kronberg Academy, who will be making his debut in Korea. The concert then moves to Beethoven’s "Piano Concerto No.1 in C Major," with pianist Justus Eichhorn taking center stage, bringing a touch of Beethoven’s spirited character to the performance.


Courtesy of Korean Chamber Orchestra

To close the evening, the KCO will perform Mozart’s "Symphony No.29 in A Major." This finale not only highlights the enduring appeal of Mozart’s symphonic works but also serves as a homage to the KCO’s enduring contributions to the chamber orchestra music scene in Korea. The selection of pieces reflects both the rich European classical tradition and the modern collaborative spirit embodied by the KCO and the Kronberg Academy.

For over 25 years, the KCO has been actively supporting young musicians through initiatives like the annual KCO competition, a program designed to identify and cultivate the next generation of Korean classical artists. This year, cellist Lee Ji-eon, the winner of the KCO competition, had the opportunity to attend the Kronberg Academy in September, where she performed with the esteemed Kremerata Baltica, an orchestra founded by renowned violinist Gidon Kremer. This experience exemplifies the kind of international exposure and networking opportunities the KCO aims to provide to young artists.

Kim Min, the KCO's music director for four decades, reiterated the orchestra’s commitment to nurturing young talent. “The orchestra will keep supporting promising Korean performers to help them succeed on the global stage,” Kim stated, underscoring the KCO’s dedication to building a bridge between Korean musicians and the world’s classical music community.

As both the KCO and the Kronberg Academy look toward the future, their partnership reflects a shared vision of cultural exchange, mutual respect, and artistic excellence. This concert marks an important moment for the two organizations and offers a unique experience for Seoul’s classical music audience, celebrating not only the talents of these young musicians but also the enduring power of musical collaboration to transcend borders.


Sayart / Sharon Jung, guhuijeong784@gmail.com

WEEKLY HOTISSUE