Gyeongju, Republic of Korea – A momentous stage will unfold at the Gyeongju Arts Center, celebrating the triumph of Gyeongju's successful bid to host the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit. The Gyeongju International Music Festival, which last year aimed to attract the APEC Summit to Gyeongju, is now being held in an even richer format to celebrate the realization of that aspiration. This year's festival is expected to be a global gathering for harmony and exchange through culture and art, with the participation of Korea's top-tier art organizations and world-renowned masters.

 
Myung-Whun Chung and KBS Symphony Orchestra to Open the Festival

The 2025 Gyeongju International Music Festival kicks off on Friday, June 13th, at 7:30 PM, at the Hwarang Hall of the Gyeongju Arts Center. The KBS Symphony Orchestra, led by Myung-Whun Chung, a living legend in Korean classical music and a world-renowned maestro, will take the stage. Adding to the excitement, pianist Sunwoo Ye-kwon, who has emerged as a young virtuoso after conquering the world's top three piano competitions, will perform as a soloist. Their collaboration, a blend of Gyeongju's historical significance and elegant classical music, is poised to elevate the status of Korean culture on the international stage. Conductor Myung-Whun Chung is renowned for his charismatic conducting and delicate musical interpretations, and his synergy with the KBS Symphony Orchestra has consistently garnered the highest praise. Sunwoo Ye-kwon has captivated both domestic and international fans with his profound touch and original interpretations. Their collaborative performance is expected to not only mark the beginning of the festival but also brilliantly inaugurate a cultural celebration in anticipation of the successful hosting of the APEC Summit.

A Special Ensemble with Representative Soloists from 21 APEC Member Economies

The Gyeongju Cultural Foundation is hosting this International Music Festival as part of its 'Culture Delivery to Every Corner on Culture Day' project. This initiative aims to foster cultural exchange by hosting high-quality cultural and artistic events prior to the 2025 APEC Summit, and to widely promote Gyeongju's cultural excellence both domestically and internationally as the host city.

On the second day of the festival, Saturday, June 14th, at 3:00 PM, a special performance will take place at the Hwarang Hall of the Gyeongju Arts Center. This will be a concert by the APEC Ensemble Orchestra, comprised of representative soloists from 21 APEC member economies, led by conductor Lee Yoon-guk. This performance, where artists from diverse cultural backgrounds across the Asia-Pacific region come together to unite through music, will be a meaningful time to artistically embody APEC's spirit of 'connectivity' and 'cooperation.'

Joining conductor Lee Yoon-guk, who is recognized for his delicate interpretations and fluid musical flow, will be soprano Lim Sun-hae, acclaimed on the European stage for her authentic interpretations of Baroque music, and violinist Kim Seo-hyun, who has emerged as a young virtuoso after conquering both domestic and international competitions. They will present a diverse program starting with Vivaldi's 'Sonata for Strings,' followed by a medley of Asian folk songs and Pacific national songs, showcasing cultural diversity and delivering deep emotion to the audience. This unique composition, where traditional melodies from various countries harmoniously blend with classical music, is considered one of the highlights of this festival.

A Constellation of World-Renowned Maestros: Sascha Goetzel and Sumi Jo

On the final day of the festival, Sunday, June 15th, at 5:00 PM, another highlight awaits the audience at the Hwarang Hall of the Gyeongju Arts Center. The Ulsan City Symphony Orchestra will take the stage with an international chamber ensemble, conducted by the world-renowned conductor Sascha Goetzel, who has been active on major world stages including the Vienna Symphony Orchestra and the NHK Symphony Orchestra in Japan.

Notably, Sumi Jo, a world-renowned soprano representing Korea and a Grammy Award winner, will deliver a moving performance. Sumi Jo has received acclaim for her consistently superb artistry in opera houses and concert halls worldwide for decades, and her participation will further elevate the prestige of this festival. Sascha Goetzel's delicate and dynamic conducting, the Ulsan City Symphony Orchestra's robust performance, and Sumi Jo's overwhelming vocal talent are expected to come together to provide an unforgettable musical experience for the audience.

This concert will feature representative works by Johann Strauss II, including the Overture to the operetta 'Die Fledermaus' and "Spiel ich die Unschuld vom Lande" (When I play the innocent country girl). These accessible yet splendid pieces have been selected to provide the audience with an enjoyable and high-quality classical music experience.

Ticket Reservations and Discount Benefits

Tickets for all performances of the '2025 Gyeongju International Music Festival' can be reserved on the Gyeongju Cultural Foundation website (www.garts.kr) and through Ticketlink. In particular, Gyeongju citizens will receive a 50% discount on all seats, and Gyeongsangbuk-do residents will receive a 30% discount on all seats, allowing local residents to enjoy world-class performances without burden. Detailed information can be found on the Gyeongju Cultural Foundation website or by calling 1588-4925.

The Gyeongju International Music Festival is more than just a music festival; it holds significant meaning as a venue for cultural exchange, commemorating the successful bid to host the APEC Summit and wishing for its successful execution. This musical feast, set in the ancient city of Gyeongju where history and culture thrive, will provide unforgettable memories and emotions to all participants.

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