Seoul: The New York Philharmonic is returning to Seoul for its first concerts in 11 years. Also noteworthy is that these performances will feature acclaimed pianist Krystian Zimerman's first collaboration with an American orchestra since he began boycotting performances in the United States in 2009 in protest of its military policies.
According to Yonhap News Agency, at a press conference in Seoul on Wednesday, Finnish conductor-composer Esa-Pekka Salonen, who will lead the concerts, expressed his happiness about returning to South Korea, which he described as "such a musical country." He added the visit is "particularly special because I'm reunited with my dear friend" Zimerman.
Salonen highlighted his admiration for Zimerman, calling him "a very unusual artist in the best sense" due to his "narrow repertoire," which results from the Polish pianist's extensive research and preparation. Zimerman's dedication to understanding each piece thoroughly stands out, although he could not attend the press event due to his flight schedule.
Matias Tarnopolsky, president and CEO of the orchestra, emphasized the rarity and significance of performing with Zimerman, expressing gratitude to Maestro Salonen for leading the tour. Tarnopolsky also reminisced about the orchestra's "incredible and unique relationship with the two Koreas," recalling its historic visit to Pyongyang in February 2008, marking a significant cultural exchange since the Korean War.
The performances will include Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 4 and his "Eroica" Symphony No. 3 at the Arts Center Incheon on Thursday and at the Seoul Arts Center on Friday. Saturday's concert at the Seoul Arts Center will feature Ravel's "Suite from Ma Mere l'Oye," Debussy's "La Mer," and Berlioz's "Symphonie fantastique."
Salonen explained that these programs aim to present "history-making conversations," transporting audiences to pivotal moments in musical history where established norms were challenged, altering the course of music. He described Beethoven's "Eroica" and Berlioz's "Symphonie fantastique" as groundbreaking works that transformed music, sharing a quality of seeming "as if they arrived from another world."