April in Seoul a time for classical music
Classical music takes center stage in Seoul this month with two standout festivals: the Seoul Arts Center's Orchestra Festival and the Seoul Spring Festival of Chamber Music. The Orchestra Festival brings together 18 symphony orchestras from across the country in one place while the Seoul Spring Festival of Chamber Music celebrates its 20th anniversary.
Seoul Arts Center's Orchestra Festival
The Seoul Arts Center's Orchestra Festival, now in its 37th year, offers a rare opportunity to enjoy performances by 18 orchestras from around the country without ever leaving the capital.
The 2025 edition, themed "The New Beginning," runs April 1 to April 20 at the Seoul Arts Center, featuring performances by leading Korean ensembles including the Korean National Symphony Orchestra, KBS Symphony Orchestra, Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra, Busan Philharmonic Orchestra and Gyeonggi Philharmonic Orchestra.
This year's festival highlights a new generation of conductors such as David Yi (Gangnam Symphony Orchestra), Yoon Han-kyeol (Korean National Symphony Orchestra), Hong Seok-won (Busan Philharmonic Orchestra), Kim Sun-wook (Gyeonggi Philharmonic Orchestra) and Adrien Perruchon (Bucheon Philharmonic Orchestra) and more and showcases a diverse repertoire that bridges classical traditions with contemporary works.
The festival also hosts the Orchestra Festival Master Class in collaboration with the Korean National Symphony Orchestra, providing educational opportunities for young musicians.
To reach a broader audience, the Seoul Arts Center offers free live streaming of all performances through its digital stage platform. Live broadcasts will also be available at the outdoor plaza of the Seoul Arts Center and the plaza of Busan Cinema Center, allowing audiences to enjoy the Orchestra Festival from anywhere.
Ticket prices range from 20,000 won ($13.50) to 50,000 won.
Seoul Spring Festival of Chamber Music
Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, the Seoul Spring Festival of Chamber Music will continue the celebration of classical music April 22 to May 4.
Under the theme "20 Candles," symbolizing two decades of devotion to chamber music, the festival will feature 14 performances at various venues including the Seoul Arts Center, Sejong Center for the Performing Arts and the historic residence of former President Yun Po-sun.
Over the course of 13 days, 69 artists active on the global stage are preparing to stage 14 performances.
Artistic Director Kang Dong-suk, the renowned violinist who has led the festival since its inception, has curated performances that emphasize the number 20, such as a recital with 20 musicians and concerts featuring Opus 20 compositions.
On April 27, "Opus 20" will feature Beethoven's Septet in E-flat Major, Brahms' 3 Duets for Soprano, Alto and Piano and Mendelssohn's Octet in E-flat Major.
Also to celebrate the festival's 20th anniversary, the family concert on April 26 will feature the return of the French clarinet ensemble Les Bons Becs, who last performed in Korea in 2008 and 2010.
'Sweet 20s" on May 3 will feature compositions that were written when the composers were in their 20s and many performers performing this day are also in their 20s.
The festival's signature outdoor concert, which is to take place at former President Yun Po-sun's house, on April 26, will feature works inspired by spirituality and religion, featuring music by Florence Price, Andre Jolivet, Dvorak and Mendelssohn.
A concert titled "All-Time Favorites" April 29 will present a collection of the most beloved and frequently programmed works from the festial's 20-year history.
"Better Late than Never" on May 1 will spotlight masterworks which have never been performed at SSF before -- despite deserving a place long ago.
All performances are priced between 20,000 won and 70,000 won, with the exception of the Yun Po-sun's House concert, which is priced at 150,000 won.
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