The private orchestra "Hahm Shin-ik and Symphony S.O.N.G." will present 20th-century Russian music and Verdi's masterpiece in succession. The performances are part of the "2026 Masters Series," which explores themes of inner human tension, death, and consolation.
Masters Series III will be held on the 30th at Lotte Concert Hall in Seoul. The program will feature Shostakovich's "Festive Overture," Prokofiev's "Piano Concerto No. 2," and Shostakovich's "Symphony No. 5." Pianist Kim Kyu-yeon will perform as the soloist.
The program intensively spotlights the tension and contrast that characterize 20th-century Russian music. Opening the concert, Shostakovich's "Festive Overture" sets the mood with bright and brilliant energy, while Prokofiev's Piano Concerto No. 2 that follows is a work imbued with explosive technique and extreme emotional shifts. Pianist Kim Kyu-yeon, who collaborated with Hahm Shin-ik and Symphony S.O.N.G. last year, will join them again on stage.
The second half features Shostakovich's Symphony No. 5. Premiered in 1937, the work is regarded as one of Shostakovich's signature symphonies, born under the Soviet regime. While maintaining a classical form, it carries a sense of tension and is considered a work that symbolizes the tragedy of its era. The deep lyricism of the third movement and the powerful conclusion of the fourth movement, in particular, continue to inspire diverse interpretations to this day. "I have arranged works that share the same era yet possess different musical languages and emotions into a single flow," Hahm said. "I hope audiences will experience the various textures of emotion through the music."
Masters Series IV, "Verdi's Requiem," will be performed on the 16th of next month at the Seoul Arts Center Concert Hall. The performance, jointly organized with the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, was arranged to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Korean War and the 70th Memorial Day.
Verdi's "Requiem," though drawing on the form of sacred music, is renowned for its near-operatic dramatic structure and overwhelming sonority. The explosive choruses and orchestra of "Dies Irae" alternate with delicate arias to express the fear of death and the longing for salvation. The performance will feature soprano Oh Mi-sun, mezzo-soprano Kim Sun-jung, tenor Kim Dong-won, and bass-baritone Samuel Youn, joined by the Bucheon City Choir and the Incheon City Choir.
The concert will also serve as a venue to share a message of peace and solidarity, with domestic and international war veterans, their families, and diplomatic officials invited to attend. Hahm Shin-ik and Symphony S.O.N.G. plan to honor the sacrifices of fallen patriots and offer consolation to bereaved families and the public through music.
"Verdi's 'Requiem' is the most dramatic and operatic work among existing requiems," Hahm said. "It contains humanity's fear of death and the earnest plea for mercy." He added, "Audiences can look forward to the energy created by the passionate young performers of Symphony S.O.N.G., along with outstanding soloists and choirs."
Founded in 2014, Hahm Shin-ik and Symphony S.O.N.G. is regarded as one of Korea's leading private orchestras. Hahm has steadily expanded his activities by collaborating with orchestras around the world, including in the United States, Europe, South America, and Asia. Symphony S.O.N.G. has also been expanding the possibilities of private orchestras through creative programming and diverse performances.
