



Dilip Guha ★ New Delhi : The Korean Cultural Centre India (KCCI) celebrated its 12th anniversary with the K-Classic Music Concert, a two-day event that showcased music, culture, and artistry. The concert was held on December 10 and 11, 2024, at KCCI’s Auditorium in New Delhi.
The event featured an extraordinary trio of musicians from the prestigious Korea Philharmonic Orchestra to mark this special occasion. They performed a selection of classical masterpieces while sharing engaging stories about each composition. This approach was designed to make classical music more accessible, allowing audiences who may have found it challenging to appreciate the genre to enjoy the performances through the accompanying storytelling.
Accomplished artists of the troupe delivered a stunning performance of carefully selected classical masterpieces, captivating the audience with their technical brilliance and emotive interpretations. Beyond the music itself, the trio enriched the experience by sharing the fascinating stories and historical contexts behind each composition, offering a deeper understanding of the works and their enduring legacy. This intimate blend of live performance and storytelling made an unforgettable celebration of classical music and its timeless beauty.
The trio includes Kim Pil Kyun, the first concertmaster chair of the Daejeon City Philharmonic Orchestra, known for his technical precision and expressive playing and is a highly respected violinist celebrated for his leadership and technical mastery. His refined artistry and profound musicality elevate the orchestra’s performances, making him an integral figure in the Korean classical music scene.
Accompanying him will be Ryu In Kyung, a celebrated pianist recognized for her emotive and innovative interpretations, Kyung is acclaimed for her expressive performances and innovative interpretations of classical repertoire. Her dynamic range and emotional depth captivate audiences, earning her recognition as one of the leading pianists of her generation. She spent her childhood in Johannesburg, South Africa, and became a member of the Johannesburg Symphony Orchestra at the age of 13. She has been working as a professional musician on overseas stages since that young age, showing expressionistic performances and bold innovation in existing classical music pieces.
Kim Min Jung is a renowned violinist who leads the An Die Musik Philharmonia Orchestra and is one of the founding members of the Daejeon Chamber Music Society. She is a prominent figure in chamber and orchestral music. Her dedication to fostering musical excellence and collaboration has made a significant impact on Korea’s classical music community. She recently was invited as a performer to the Euro Music Festival in Germany and the Vianden International Music Festival in Luxembourg.
In the thoughtfully curated repertoire, the concert presented works of timeless classical masterpieces by legendary composers—Edward Elgar, Johannes Brahms, and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Dmitri Shostakovich, along with the soulful Arirang Fantasy
These selections represent the pinnacle of classical music, showcasing the emotional depth, technical brilliance, and enduring beauty of their works.
Edward Elgar is known for his lush orchestrations and profound emotional resonance, Elgar’s compositions, such as the Enigma Variations or Salut d’Amour, reveal his mastery in creating stirring and evocative melodies.
Johannes Brahms a cornerstone of the Romantic era, Brahms’ works are celebrated for their intricate structures and sweeping lyricism, such as his Hungarian Dances or the deeply moving Piano Quintet in F minor.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was a genius of the Classical period, Mozart’s compositions radiate clarity and charm. Pieces like the Clarinet Quintet or his beloved Eine Klein Nachtmusik highlight his unmatched gift for melodic invention.
In addition to classical masterpieces, Korea’s Arirang (the most popular traditional folk song) also finds a place.
Adding an Indian touch to the celebration, the trio performed a unique rendition of A.R. Rahman’s iconic song “Jai Ho” from Slumdog Millionaire.
Over 70 minutes, the audience experienced a journey through diverse compositions, ranging from Elgar’s Salut D’amour and Mozart’s Alla Turca to Brahms’s Intermezzo and Shostakovich’s Prelude, Gavotte, and Polka.
Each of these masterpieces comes alive under the skillful interpretation of the trio of musicians, immersing the audience in a rich tapestry of harmony, passion, and storytelling. In a surprise for the audiences, a part of the famous BTS song ‘Dynamite’ was also performed at the event. The K-Classic Music Concert was a great opportunity between the two countries, Korea and India, to interact through classical music.
The performance also featured Dvořák’s Humoresque, Rimsky Korsakov’s Chanson Arabe, Fritz Kreisler’s Liebesfreud and Liebesleid, and Vittorio Monti’s electrifying Czardas.
The Korea Philharmonic Orchestra is a distinguished ensemble known for its excellence in performing classical and contemporary music. Renowned for its rich musicality and technical precision, the orchestra has earned acclaim both domestically and internationally. Its repertoire spans a wide range of works, including traditional Korean compositions and globally celebrated classical masterpieces, reflecting a commitment to cultural diversity and musical innovation.
The orchestra frequently collaborates with world-class soloists and conductors, showcasing its versatility and artistic depth. Through performances at prestigious venues, festivals, and special events, the Korea Philharmonic Orchestra continues to promote the art of orchestral music while serving as a cultural ambassador of Korea’s rich musical heritage.
Pragya Mukherjee, a college student who attended the event said, “Looking at the instruments on the stage, I expected the event to be good. But once the performances began, I was struck by the melody and felt so emotionally involved during the event. It was the first time that I was witnessing a Korean Classical Music Concert Live. I had an amazing time here and I look forward to attending more such performances and concerts.”
KCCI is the diplomatic mission of the Republic of Korea. The Korean Cultural Centre India aims to create a cultural bridge between Korea and India, a nation hailing a proud legacy of rich culture, religion, and philosophy.
It wants to communicate through culture as an open cultural space where one can experience various Korean cultures through performances, exhibitions, movies, books, Korean language classes, Taekwondo, and other things in the New Delhi capital.
KCCI dedicates itself to being a leading organization for cultural diplomacy between Korea and India.
“Hwang Il Yong, Director of Korean Cultural Centre India said, “Classical music in India can be said to be an uncharted territory that has not yet been explored. For local students and young people who love Korean culture, a concert of classical music that tells the story of Korea is a significant starting point.” 🍁
