Famous conductor Chung Myung Whun is set to lead a joint performance by North Korea’s Eunhasu Orchestra and the Radio France Philharmonic Orchestra on the 14th of next month in Paris.
Speaking in Seoul yesterday, Chung said, “The two orchestras from North Korea and France will perform Brahms’ Symphony No.1 together on March 14th,” adding, “This concert is going ahead upon the invitation of the Radio France Philharmonic Orchestra”.
“I want South and North to perform together but at the moment it is impossible because of the strained political relationship. This time around I am conducting a North Korean and a French orchestra, something which should be seen as the first step in getting the Koreas to perform together,” he went on, before emphasizing, “By taking it step-by-step, the number of people in the North who are sympathetic to the idea of a joint performance of the Koreas will grow.”
“If it is December then the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra is performing Beethoven’s ‘Choral’ Symphony; if all goes well, I hope that by the end of this year North and South Korea can perform together.” In addition to his role as musical director of the Radio France Philarmonic Orchestra, Chung leads Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra.
There will be a total of 90 North Koreans in the group from Eunhasu, including 70 musicians.
Chung will head to North Korea early in March to practice with the Eunhasu Orchestra. Asked about their skill level, he commented, “They are at the level of the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra in 2006 before I joined.”
