Pianist Cho Seong-jin will perform a Prokofiev piano concerto on a Korean stage for the first time, collaborating with the world-class Munich Philharmonic.
The Seoul Arts Center announced that the Munich Philharmonic will hold performances at the Concert Hall on May 5-6. Founded in 1893, the orchestra represents the German musical tradition. Lahav Shani, the ensemble's incoming music director, will conduct the performances.
Cho will perform Prokofiev's Piano Concerto No. 2 on the second day. The work demands explosive energy and advanced technique, ranking among the most difficult piano concertos in the repertoire. This marks Cho's first performance of the piece in Korea.
The concerto features a grand cadenza, intense rhythms, and fierce tension between piano and orchestra. The storm-like finale and massive structure demand both physical stamina and musical insight from performers. Cho, known for his delicate yet powerful touch, has drawn attention since adding the concerto to his repertoire last year.
The program spans from classical to late Romantic periods. The May 5 concert opens with Mozart's "The Abduction from the Seraglio" overture, followed by Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 1 and Mahler's Symphony No. 1 "Titan." The May 6 program features Beethoven's "Egmont" overture, the Prokofiev concerto, and Brahms's Symphony No. 4.
The concerts are part of Shani's first Asia tour as the Munich Philharmonic's incoming music director. Shani currently serves as music director of the Israel Philharmonic and has established himself as a young maestro active with major orchestras worldwide.
This marks the Munich Philharmonic's first visit to Korea in three years. Since its debut under Zubin Mehta in 1997, the orchestra has toured Korea multiple times with renowned conductors including Christian Thielemann, Lorin Maazel, Valery Gergiev, and Chung Myung-whun.
The concert brings together a world-class orchestra, a next-generation conductor, and Korea's leading pianist, promising a showcase of contemporary classical music at its finest.
Tickets for the May 5 concert go on sale to Seoul Arts Center premium members on the 12th at 1 p.m., with the May 6 concert following at 4 p.m. the same day. General sales begin on the 13th through the Seoul Arts Center, NOL Ticket, and YES24.
