Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra aspires to rival Berlin: CEO

By Park Jin-hai

The new CEO of the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra (SPO) announced a master plan on Monday to revitalize one of Korea's oldest orchestras.

"This year marks several significant anniversaries for the SPO. It’s the 80th anniversary since its founding in 1945, as well as the 20th anniversary of its independence from the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts. To commemorate these occasions, we’re planning something special," said Jung Jae-wal, the 60-year-old CEO who took office in October, during a press conference at the Korea Press Center in central Seoul.

He described the SPO's past 20 years as a roller-coaster ride, marked by a decade of growth followed by a decade of challenges, notably intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic.

But within 10 years, Jung hopes to take the SPO to new heights, "reaching a level where we can compete with the world's most prestigious orchestras such as the Berlin Philharmonic."

"This is not an unrealistic goal. I believe that by achieving the necessary steps in stages, we can become world-class. The SPO will lead hallyu (Korean wave) in the classical music sector," he said, adding that a more detailed master plan is coming in June.

Jung is committed to elevate the SPO into a symbol of Seoul as a global cultural hub. His plans include stabilizing the orchestra's structure, enhancing performance quality and expediting the recruitment for key positions, including the long-vacant role of concertmaster, as well as principal and general members.

He also highlighted the SPO's ongoing projects under its musical director Jaap van Zweden, now in his second year with the orchestra. The SPO will continue releasing its recording of Mahler’s symphonies, with plans to release the second and seventh symphonies this year.

Van Zweden is known as a "trainer for orchestra" and led the New York Philharmonic before joining the SPO, but his fast-paced musical style has sparked debate among classical music fans here.

"I think our maestro and the SPO have great chemistry. Our goals align and I have 100 percent trust in van Zweden," the CEO said, expressing confidence in the music director's leadership. "I'm aware of the differing opinions on his performances, but I believe that such differences will be accepted at the right moment. For the duration of his tenure, van Zweden's musical style will define the SPO's sound."