‘It, too, will be over by the end of the year’ was the naive thought that I had at this time last year. And although that thought did not come to fruition, once again, I am harboring the same hope for this year. Though the reality of the COVID-19 pandemic and its resultant limitations is a very high hurdle to overcome, it cannot dampen our will to challenge the setbacks and our passion to win.
Artistic Director Dong-Suk Kang has chosen to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Beethoven’s birth, as the theme for the 2021 Seoul Spring Chamber Music Festival. It is a choice that I endorse fully.
However, in light of the current health situation, it will not be a celebration that is recklessly pursued.
SSF, as always, seeks to find new and creative ways to share our love of and joy in music. We are certain that the innovations in technology will open up new vistas in the future, and SSF will dare to venture forth in that direction. I hope you will stand with us with keen interest and be our champions in support.
Sixteen years ago, SSF set out to become one of the world renowned chamber music festivals. Today, we are enjoying the fruits of our endeavors, attracting artists of the greatest caliber to come and participate in our annual event. And in 2021, in response to the Covid 19 pandemic, but also an embrace of the future, SSF pledges to push beyond its traditional boundaries by using technology to expand the horizon of classical music performance.
I hope you will join us for the 2021 Season of the Seoul Spring Festival of Chamber Music.
Chair of the Executive Committee of Seoul Spring Festival of Chamber Music
SangKoo YUN
2020 was a very « special » year for everyone.
Despite all the obstacles, Seoul Spring Festival of Chamber Music has managed to organize a successful festival in Oct. under very unusual circumstances.
Now that 2020 is behind us, we can look ahead with more optimism.
This year, we are going to celebrate Beethoven which we could not do in 2020 for his 250th birthday.
Better late than never, for the greatest composer in history for many.
This year’s theme, « Ode to Joy », reflects the general mood of optimism and hope which prevails throughout the world. Of course we are not out of the woods yet, but we have good reasons to believe that better times will return.
In the past, most of Beethoven’s major chamber music works have been presented at the SSF, such as complete string quartets and piano trios. This time, we will look into other areas also, including some sonatas.
As always, you will discover some unknown works as well as mainstream works which are programmed regularly.
We are also presenting some new faces to SSF audience, especially the young generation. This is one of the major missions of the festival.
Come to SSF and let music take you away from daily worries.
During tough times, you can always turn to music to find refuge and comfort.
Create and enjoy diverse journeys and dreams through music !
Artistic Director of Seoul Spring Festival of Chamber Music
Dong-Suk Kang