Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 1 and his final symphony, the "Pathetique," will be performed on a single program in Seoul.
The Sejong Center for the Performing Arts said it will present "Classic for Everyone with the Korean National Symphony Orchestra" at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 6 at the center's Grand Theater. Conductor Park Keun-tae will lead the Korean National Symphony Orchestra, with pianist Park Jae-hong as soloist.
The first half of the program features Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 1. Known for its grand opening, the work combines dazzling piano technique, lyrical melodies and the full sound of the orchestra. Park Jae-hong, who won the 2021 Busoni International Piano Competition along with four special prizes, will perform as soloist.
The second half features Symphony No. 6, the "Pathetique," Tchaikovsky's last symphony. Marked by dramatic development and tragic emotion, it is known for its unusual structure, in which the final movement fades away gradually instead of building to an impassioned climax.
Park Keun-tae, the conductor, became the first Korean to win the Concours International de Chant-Piano Nadia et Lili Boulanger's opera conducting competition in France in 2022, where he also received the orchestra prize and the audience prize. Music critic Choi Eun-kyu will serve as commentator, introducing the historical background of the works, Tchaikovsky's life and key listening points.
"Classic for Everyone" is a social contribution program run by the Sejong Center, which since 2024 has let audiences set their own ticket prices. For this concert as well, ticket buyers can choose to pay anywhere from 1,000 won to 10,000 won. The performance is open to audiences aged 7 and older.
