Seoul Arts Center will launch a new orchestra next year as part of a broader strategy to strengthen South Korea’s classical music ecosystem, President and CEO Chang Han-na announced in an interview with MBC on Wednesday.
Chang, the institution’s first president from an artistic background and its youngest leader, said the orchestra would be established with newly secured government funding. Its name has not yet been disclosed.
“We have many outstanding musicians and talents in Korea,” Chang said during the interview. “But they are often recognized only after winning competitions abroad or performing with renowned overseas organizations.”
She said she hoped to help build an environment in which Korean musicians could gain international recognition by performing in their home country.
The new orchestra plans to hold auditions across the country, offering musicians opportunities to perform at Seoul Arts Center and regional venues. Chang said the initiative would focus on talent and ability, allowing musicians to pursue careers without having to leave Korea to establish their credentials. Chang is a world-renowned cellist and a conductor herself.
The announcement came shortly after Seoul Arts Center secured funding for 2027, which Chang described as her most significant achievement during her first five months in office.
According to Seoul Arts Center, its 2025 budget stood at about 60 billion won ($43 million), including 24 billion won in government subsidies.
gypark@heraldcorp.com
