As March quickly approaches, there’s no better time to celebrate the thawing of winter and the arrival of spring than a night filled with the soul-soothing classical bliss of Rachmaninoff and Chopin.

Next month promises a wide range of noteworthy classical performances, including a concert by one of the country’s most beloved pianists, Steve Barakatt. 

The Canadian piano prodigy is making his way back to Seoul on March 8 for his largest symphony production ― “Ad Vitam Aeternam.” The symphony, consisting of 16 movements for piano and an orchestra, is a spiritual, psychological and emotional musical venture aiming to explore all stages of life. It is the 41-year-old’s first symphonic composition.

Accompanied by the Herald Philharmonic Orchestra and its conductor Kim Bong-mee, Barakatt will also play some of his most noted compositions including “Rainbow Bridge,” “Dreamers” and “Lullaby.”

The “Ad Vitam Aeternam” concert will be held at Seoul Arts Center’s Concert Hall with ticket prices ranging from 40,000 won to 190,000 won. Tickets can be purchased online at interpark.com. 


Gustavo Dudamel with L.A. Philharmonic

Noted Venezuelan conductor and violinist Gustavo Dudamel will be taking his baton to the world-renowned Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra for two days of concerts in Seoul on March 25 and 26. 

The conductor, who serves as music director of the Simon Bolivar Symphony Orchestra in Venezuela, is also in his sixth season as the music director of the L.A. Philharmonic. Dudamel has been making international waves in the classical music realm with not only his orchestral creativity and passion, but also his continued musical outreach to the world’s youth.

“Gustavo Dudamel is defined by his untiring advocacy of access to music for all,” the L.A. Philharmonic said. “At the Los Angeles Philharmonic, where he spends extensive periods in both the fall and spring, it is not only the breadth of the audience reached, but also the depth of the programming performed under Gustavo Dudamel that is remarkable.”

Dudamel and the L.A. Philharmonic’s upcoming concert performances will be held at Seoul Arts Center’s Concert Hall. Tickets can be purchased online at interpark.com with prices ranging from 50,000 won to 340,000 won. 


Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra

First established in 1923, the Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra is Germany’s oldest active radio orchestra. The ensemble, led by Maestro Marek Janowski, will be taking the stage in Seoul on March 13.

Even in its early years, the orchestra has been known for its work with contemporary scores. Janowski has led the orchestra as chief conductor since 2002, earning himself a lifetime contract with the Berlin-based orchestra.

The ensemble’s upcoming performance will also feature solo German violinist Frank Peter Zimmermann. The child prodigy started playing the violin at age 5 and performed at his first orchestra concert at the tender age of 10.

Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra performance will be staged at Seoul Arts Center’s Concert Hall. Tickets can be purchased online at interpark.com with prices ranging from 50,000 won to 240,000 won.

By Julie Jackson (juliejackson@heraldcorp.com)