Since 1985
A person leaves, but music lives on forever
In many countries, the presence of an excellent orchestra has served as an important measure in defining the level of its musical culture. A well-balanced group of instruments with excellent performers, a competent conductor who can bring out the best in the musicians, and a great theater and staff are essential elements that form the basis of an orchestra.
Additionally, the ability to perform symphonic music, operas, and ballet must be cultivated to establish it as a true orchestra.
This goes beyond the mere perfection of a performance, and becomes an indicator of the cultural sophistication of the audience and the overall art of the nation. The Korea National Symphony Orchestra was originally founded as the private orchestra "Korean Symphony." Over the past 40 years, it has solidified its identity through the passion of musicians and enthusiasts, leaving a profound mark on the history of classical music in Korea.
The root of the KNSO trace back to the National Symphony Orchestra of Korea, which was founded in 1969. Under the leadership of Yeon-taek Hong, who was appointed as its chief conductor in 1972, the National Symphony Orchestra flourished, achieving remarkable growth and expanding its reach with a U.S. tour in 1979. However, in 1982, the National Symphony Orchestra was disbanded and transferred to KBS under government policy, marking a painful chapter in its history. At that time, several municipal orchestras were newly founded. However, their administrative role often took precedence over their functions as musical organizations, so there were limits to artistic endeavors. Thus, the need for a private professional symphony orchestra that prioritized pure musical activities arose. As a result, the ‘Korean Symphony Orchestra,’ was established.
The orchestra held its first performance on March 30 at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts under the baton of Yeon-taek Hong, Over time, the Korean Symphony Orchestra was promoted to a foundation corporation by the government under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism (now the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism) and rebranded the Korean National Symphony Orchestra in 2022.
To share the joy of culture with more people and to nurture future generations, the KNSO has been discovering new talents in performance, composition, and conducting, thereby creating a sustainable future for classical music. In particular, KNSO has introduced Composer-in-Residence program since 2014, and gave world premieres of 15 new works to broaden the horizons of contemporary music. As of 2021, it launched the ‘Composer Atelier’ program to support emerging composers, and discovered 10 talented individuals. Through this, the KNSO has established a systematic composer development program, leading the next generation of classical music.
The year 2021 also saw the first edition of the KNSO Conducting Competition and discovered young, talented conductors. The inaugural competition led to the discovery of young conductor Hankyeol Yoon from Korea, while the second edition resulted in the discovery of Simon Edelmann from Germany. (In the inaugural competition, Hankyeol Yoon from Korea emerged as the winner, followed by the Simon Edelmann from Germany in the second edition.)
In years when the conducting competition is not held, the KNSO has established a systematic training project through the 'Conductors' Workshop,' providing young Korean conductors with opportunities for experience and growth.
In addition, the KNSO International Academy, an education and exchange program for young musicians, has been in operation for many years. Musicians from various countries come together for masterclasses and concerts, where the free-spirited style of overseas participants complements the scholarly approach of domestic students, expanding the horizons of all involved. The growth of KNSO may have seemed slow, but it has developed steadily, step by step. Over 40 years, the orchestra has adapted to changes in order to survive, and it still continues to be loved and supported by audiences.
Jiyoung Lee (Music columnist, Daewon Cultural Foundation)