South Korean Conductor Leads Spectacular Tribute to Smetana’s 200th Birth Anniversary

South Korean Conductor, Ham Shin-ik, Leads Special Performance to Celebrate Bedřich Smetana’s 200th Birth Anniversary

Renowned conductor, Ham Shin-ik, will lead the Symphony Song Orchestra in a special performance commemorating the 200th birth anniversary of Czech composer, Bedřich Smetana. Titled “My Homeland,” the concert aims to honor Smetana’s musical legacy.

Concert Details

The concert will take place on February 22nd at the Lotte Concert Hall in Seoul as part of the 2024 Masters Series. It will be divided into two parts, featuring pianist Kim Tae-hyung and the orchestra.

Program Highlights

In the first part, pianist Kim Tae-hyung will perform “Four Metaphors for Piano and Orchestra,” a concerto composed by American artist Paul Schoenfield. The second part will showcase selected movements from Smetana’s “My Homeland.”

About “My Homeland”

“My Homeland” is a symphonic cycle composed by Smetana between 1873 and 1880. It consists of six pieces and was created during a time when Czechoslovakia was under the rule of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Despite facing hearing loss, Smetana’s strong desire for independence is reflected in this masterpiece.

Insights from Ham Shin-ik and Kim Tae-hyung

Conductor Ham Shin-ik describes “Four Metaphors for Piano and Orchestra” as an exciting and thrilling concerto, blending 20th-century techniques, jazz, and Hassidic Jewish music styles. Pianist Kim Tae-hyung praises Schoenfield’s composition as a rare and fascinating work, both in Korea and globally.

The upcoming performance, which celebrates Smetana’s musical heritage, promises to be a captivating stage where the talents of the orchestra and pianist Kim Tae-hyung will shine.