National Symphony Youth Arts Troupe to Perform Tchaikovsky with Pianist Ji-young Moon

At the Sejong Arts Center on July 23
Performing Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 1 and "Pathétique" Symphony

The National Symphony Youth Arts Troupe, the National Symphony Concert Orchestra (KNCO), will hold its third regular concert at the Sejong Arts Center on July 23, according to an announcement by the National Symphony Orchestra on July 6.

KNCO will open the performance with Mendelssohn's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" overture. Composed when Mendelssohn was 17 years old after reading Shakespeare's play "A Midsummer Night's Dream," this piece depicts the world of forest fairies, human love, confusion, and a fantastical atmosphere through music. The mysterious harmonies of the woodwinds and the light, agile movements of the strings come together to showcase Mendelssohn's characteristic delicate orchestration.

This will be followed by a performance of Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 1, with pianist Ji-young Moon as the soloist. Among the three piano concertos Tchaikovsky composed, this piece is the most beloved. In particular, the solemn horn introduction is so iconic that even those unfamiliar with classical music are likely to have heard it at least once.

Pianist Ji-Young Moon. National Symphony Orchestra

Ji-young Moon made history in 2014 by becoming the first Korean to win the Geneva International Music Competition (including the Audience Prize and Special Prize), and in 2015, she became the first Asian to claim the top prize at the Busoni International Piano Competition, gaining international recognition. She continues to draw global attention for her natural musicality and profound interpretation.

The concert will close with Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 6 "Pathétique." This work is Tchaikovsky's final symphony and is regarded as a piece that encapsulates the composer's deep inner world. While following the traditional symphonic form, it is also well known for its innovative structure in the final movement, which breaks from convention.

Music director Kim Sung-jin commented, "This concert presents a program that demonstrates the diverse scenes and emotional layers that orchestral music can depict through three works of distinct character. Audiences will experience both the youthful energy of KNCO and the profound depth of Tchaikovsky's music."

KNCO is a national youth arts ensemble composed of performers with an average age of 39 or younger, serving as an "orchestral academy" to foster the next generation of professional orchestra musicians.

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