National Chorus of Korea to Perform Haydn's Oratorio "The Creation"

June 19 at Seoul Arts Center Concert Hall

The National Chorus of Korea will present Franz Joseph Haydn's masterpiece oratorio, "The Creation," at the Concert Hall of the Seoul Arts Center on June 19.

This performance maintains the original three-part structure while intensifying the narrative of creation by focusing on its key scenes. The performance will be conducted by Min Inki, Artistic Director and President of the National Chorus of Korea. Soprano Kang Hyejung, tenor Choi Sangho, and baritone Jeong Rokgi will appear as soloists. The National Chorus of Korea, its Youth Education Members, and Camerata Antiqua Seoul will take the stage together.

"The Creation" is a work Haydn composed after being deeply impressed by George Frideric Handel's large-scale oratorios during his stay in England. It is considered one of Haydn's representative works from his later years, completed over three years from 1796 to 1798. Based on the Book of Genesis from the Old Testament and John Milton's "Paradise Lost," it musically depicts the process of creation. The emergence of light from chaos, followed by the appearance of the heavens and earth, sea and life, and ultimately humankind, is expressed through majestic choruses, delicate solos, and vibrant orchestration.

Part I deals with the birth of the universe, light, and nature from chaos. Scenes such as "Radiant Is His Holy Light" and "The Heavens Are Telling the Glory of God" highlight Haydn's signature dramatic contrasts and clarity of form. Part II focuses on the creation of fish, birds, animals, and humans, revealing the grand structure of the work through the chorus "Achieved Is the Glorious Work." Part III centers on Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, singing of love, gratitude, and praise for humanity, leading the oratorio to a bright and sublime conclusion.

Soprano Kang Hyejung plays Gabriel and Eve, tenor Choi Sangho takes the role of Uriel, and baritone Jeong Rokgi performs as Raphael and Adam, each driving the narrative forward. In Parts I and II, the three archangels—Gabriel, Uriel, and Raphael—relate the process of creation. In Part III, Adam and Eve appear to sing of the peace and love of Eden.

"The Creation" is a work where the primordial narrative, human emotion, images of nature, and musical order are harmoniously combined. Audiences can experience both Haydn's clarity of structure and the grand scale of choral music that are his hallmarks.

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