Ensemble Opus celebrates spring with works by Ryu Jea-joon, Brahms

By Kwon Mee-yoo

Ensemble Opus, one of Korea's leading classical ensembles, will present its 25th Subscription Concert titled "Spring Feast: Jeajoon Ryu and Brahms" next month.

The concert, slated for April 4 at the Seoul Arts Center IBK Chamber Hall, will blend the romantic traditions of Johannes Brahms with the lyrical yet contemporary style of composer Ryu Jea-joon. Ryu, who also serves as artistic director of Ensemble Opus, is known for his contemporary compositions with broad appeal. This year, Ensemble Opus will highlight Ryu’s pieces to emphasize the group’s distinctive artistic identity.

For this concert, the ensemble will feature two guest musicians — violinist Kim Seo-hyun, the youngest-ever winner of the Tibor Varga Competition in 2023, and Choi Keum-sung, principal timpanist of the Louisville Orchestra — alongside its core members.

The evening will begin with Ryu's "Quartetto per flauto, violino, viola e violoncello," reflecting the refreshing spirit of spring, featuring the clarity of flutist Cho Sung-hyun's playing, combined with violinist Song Ji-won, violist Lee Han-na and cellist Kim Min-ji.

Following this, Ryu's "Musica per Percussioni, Marimba e Pianoforte" will underscore the technical virtuosity and precise coordination of percussionists Choi and June Moon Kyung Hahn, accompanied by pianist Ilya Rashkovskiy.

The program will conclude with Brahms' String Sextet No. 2 in G major, Op. 36, showcasing Ensemble Opus' trademark intensity and interpretative depth. Violinists Song Ji-won and emerging star Kim, violists Kim Sang-jin and Lee Han-na, and cellists Kim Min-ji and Lee Jung-ran will bring Brahms' emotional breadth to life, from delicate melodies to dramatic, powerful passages.

Established in 2009, Ensemble Opus is renowned for its refined musicianship and compelling interpretations and has positioned itself as an internationally recognized chamber music ensemble, receiving acclaim for its sophisticated interpretation and strong stage presence, performing at prominent venues and festivals worldwide, including France's Pablo Casals Festival and the Temppeliaukio Church, the UNESCO-designated Church of the Rock in Finland.