The La Philharmonica, an ensemble primarily composed of female members from the Vienna Philharmonic, will hold its first concert in South Korea on November 15 at the Seoul Arts Center.
Actress Lee Young-ae will join the performance as a storyteller, creating a unique experience where music and narrative intertwine.
Founded in 1842, the Vienna Philharmonic operated with only male members for 155 years. The 'glass ceiling' was broken in 1997 by harpist Anna Lelkes, but currently, only about 20 of the 140 members are women.
La Philharmonica showcases a diverse repertoire ranging from classical Viennese music to film scores and pop.
Lee expressed her excitement about the concert, stating, "I want to be a guide connecting music and the audience as an actress. Through my voice, I hope the audience can feel the music more deeply and warmly."
Ko Sun-woong, known for the original opera '1945' and the play 'The Orphan of Zhao: Seeds of Revenge,' serves as the directing consultant, while Moon Ha-yeon, author of 'Attic Classics,' has written the script.
The story narrated by Lee centers around an ancient ginkgo tree named 'Lake.' The tree, having lost love and trust due to the wounds inflicted by people, has also lost its inner music. However, as it observes the emotions of passersby, it gradually opens its heart and ultimately rediscovers its lost inner music. The performance will blend narration and music, with each piece unfolding like a scene from the story.
The music journey begins in Vienna with Strauss and reaches New York's Broadway. The first half features Johann Strauss II's overture to the operetta 'Die Fledermaus,' followed by Jean Françaix's Divertissement for bassoon and string quintet, Rossini's opera fantasy, and Georg Breinschmid's Zwiebel Suite.
The second half includes Pauline Viardot's 'Six Pieces,' Bobby McFerrin's 'Hoedown!,' excerpts from John Williams' 'Memoirs of a Geisha' suite, and Leonard Bernstein's symphonic dances from 'West Side Story.'
Tickets will be available starting October 13 through NOL Ticket and the Seoul Arts Center website.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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