Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra CEO Jung Jae-wal answers questions during a press conference on July 8.YONHAP
The Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra has been invited to perform for the opening concert of the 82nd Prague Spring International Music Festival next May, becoming the first non-European orchestra to do so.
The orchestra announced the invitation during a press conference on Wednesday.
“Unlike the Salzburg Festival or the Bayreuth Festival, which are centered on opera, the Prague Spring International Music Festival is an orchestra-focused event,” Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra CEO Jung Jae-wal said.
“We believed it was an ideal festival for the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra and began discussions with the organizers in June last year. Our participation was confirmed at the end of the year.”
The Prague Spring International Music Festival is one of Europe's oldest and most prestigious classical music festivals. It has been bringing together leading artists and ensembles from more than 30 countries each year, holding over 60 performances and events.
Music director Jaap van Zweden will lead the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra in performances of Czech composer Bedrich Smetana's complete symphonic cycle “Má vlast” at Smetana Hall in Prague's Municipal House on May 12 and 13, 2027.
The festival traditionally opens on May 12, the anniversary of Smetana's death, with a performance of “Má vlast.” In previous years, organizers have entrusted the work, which celebrates Czech history, legends, rivers, nature and national identity, to some of the world's leading orchestras. The Czech Philharmonic performed it in 2016, followed by the Vienna Philharmonic in 2017, the Netherlands' Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra in 2018 and the Berlin Philharmonic in 2024.
The Smetana Hall, where the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra will perform the opening concert of the 82nd Prague Spring International Music FestivalSEOUL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA
"'Má vlast' is one of the most beloved classical works in the Czech Republic, and even Maestro Jaap van Zweden initially felt the pressure of conducting it,” Jung said. “However, our musicians have tremendous trust in Maestro van Zweden and the orchestra has developed a stable rehearsal routine. I believe preparations for this performance are progressing well.”
Ahead of the festival, the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra will tour European cities beginning in August. The orchestra will perform at San Sebastián in Spain, Merano in Italy and Amsterdam in the Netherlands. The orchestra has expanded its international profile in recent years through invitations to perform at Abu Dhabi Classics in 2024 and at New York's Carnegie Hall in 2025.
“Overseas performances have become one of the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra's core activities alongside our regular concert series and community performances for Seoul residents,” Jung said.
The orchestra also outlined several long-term initiatives during the press conference.
“We are working toward increasing each regular concert program from two performances to three beginning next year,” Jung said.
Regarding plans for a dedicated concert hall, Jung said, “We expect it to be included as part of the future rebuilding plan of the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts.”
BY CHOI MIN-JI [lee.taehee2@joongang.co.kr]
This article was originally written in Korean and translated by a bilingual reporter with the help of generative AI tools. It was then edited by a native English-speaking editor. All AI-assisted translations are reviewed and refined by our newsroom.
