
Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra (SPO) CEO and President Jung Jae-wal speaks throughout a press convention at Korea Press Middle in central Seoul, Monday. Courtesy of SPO
Jung Jae-wal, the brand new CEO of the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra (SPO), introduced a grasp plan to revitalize the SPO, considered one of Korea’s oldest orchestras.
„This yr has a number of anniversaries overlapping for the SPO. It marks the eightieth anniversary since its founding in 1945 and the twentieth anniversary of independence from the Sejong Middle for the Performing Arts. To commemorate these events, we’re planning one thing particular,“ the 60-year-old CEO, who took workplace in October, mentioned throughout a press convention at Korea Press Middle in central Seoul, Monday.
He described the SPO’s previous 20 years as a roller-coaster journey, marked by a decade of development adopted by a decade of challenges, notably intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic.
However inside 10 years, Jung hopes to take the SPO to new heights, „reaching a stage the place we will compete with the world’s most prestigious orchestras such because the Berlin Philharmonic.“
„This isn’t an unrealistic objective. I imagine that by reaching the mandatory steps in phases, we will turn out to be world-class. The SPO will lead hallyu (Korean wave) within the classical music sector,“ he mentioned, including {that a} extra detailed grasp plan is coming in June.
Jung is dedicated to raise the SPO into a logo of Seoul as a world cultural hub. His plans embody stabilizing the orchestra’s construction, enhancing efficiency high quality and expediting the recruitment for key positions, together with the long-vacant position of concertmaster, in addition to principal and common members.
Jung additionally highlighted the SPO’s ongoing tasks below its musical director Jaap van Zweden, now in his second yr with the orchestra. The SPO will proceed releasing its recording of Mahler’s symphonies, with plans to launch the second and seventh symphonies this yr.
Van Zweden is called a „coach for orchestra“ and led the New York Philharmonic earlier than becoming a member of the SPO, however his fast-paced musical fashion has sparked debate amongst classical music followers right here.
„I believe our maestro and the SPO have nice chemistry. Our targets align and I’ve one hundred pc belief in van Zweden,“ the CEO mentioned, expressing confidence within the music director’s management. „I am conscious of the differing opinions on his performances, however I imagine that such variations shall be accepted on the proper second. During his tenure, van Zweden’s musical fashion will outline the SPO’s sound.“