(C) Bachtrack

SEOUL — As the year 2025 drew to a close, a familiar yet profoundly moving masterpiece resonated through the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts. On December 30, the KBS Symphony Orchestra performed Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, popularly known as the "Choral," under the baton of Maestro Chung Myung-whun.

This performance held particular significance as it served as a ceremonial prelude to Chung’s official tenure as the orchestra’s Music Director, beginning in 2026. While Chung has made the "Choral" a year-end tradition in Seoul since 2008, this marked his first time performing the piece with the KBS Symphony in four years.

A Delicate Interpretation of a Grand Masterpiece
The performance was characterized by a meticulous control of dynamics and texture. In the first movement, Chung avoided overwhelming volume, opting instead for a delicate, singing quality in the strings. Timpanist Lee Won-seok provided a disciplined, crisp foundation, creating a sense of growing tension through subtle resonance rather than sheer force.

The momentum picked up in the second movement, where the strings displayed heightened agility. Chung masterfully balanced the orchestral layers, allowing the clarity of the oboe and clarinet to shine through. The third movement further showcased this lyrical approach, with the violas providing a stable, emotional depth that emphasized moments of pause and release.

A Triumphant Ode to Unity
The finale reached its climax in the fourth movement, led by the spirited performance of Romanian guest concertmaster Liviu Prunaru. As the brass heralded the entrance of the vocalists, the stage transformed into a sanctuary of sound. Tenor Son Ji-hoon and soprano Choi Ji-eun led a powerful choir in the "Ode to Joy," their voices merging in a sublime plea for human harmony. The thunderous cry of "Be embraced, Millions!" filled the hall, leaving the audience with a palpable sense of universal kinship.

In a festive gesture, the orchestra performed the final section of the "Ode to Joy" as an encore, sealing the evening’s celebratory atmosphere.

Resonating Beyond the Concert Hall
The emotional weight of the concert followed the audience out into the night. Stepping into Gwanghwamun Square, concertgoers were greeted by the vibrant glow of Christmas trees and media facade art illuminating the city’s historic center. The sight of diverse crowds—tourists and citizens alike—mingling under the lights served as a living reflection of Beethoven’s vision: a world where all humanity is unified.

This performance marks the beginning of a new era for the KBS Symphony Orchestra. Maestro Chung Myung-whun will officially commence his 2026 schedule on January 15, conducting a celebratory concert at the opening of the Hwaseong Arts Center, featuring world-renowned violinist Leonidas Kavakos.