End of September, the Belgian National Orchestra (BNO) sets foot on the concert stages of South Korea for the first time. This historic week-long tour, under the inspiring leadership of chief conductor Antony Hermus, marks a new, ambitious milestone in the orchestra's international rise and includes six concerts in the country's largest halls, from Seoul to Daegu.
A symbolic reunion
The tour becomes even more special through the presence of South Korean pianist HaeSun Paik. For her and the orchestra, this is a reunion spanning decades. The circle is complete: in 1991, a young Paik won fourth prize at the Queen Elisabeth Competition. The orchestra that accompanied her then in Tchaikovsky's First Piano Concerto was the Belgian National Orchestra. Thirty-four years later, they find each other again, this time to shine on the most important stages of her homeland.
After successful tours in Japan (2003), the United Kingdom (2022) and Spain (2023), this journey confirms the BNO's growing status on the world stage. The tour underscores not only artistic excellence, but also the orchestra's role as a cultural ambassador for Belgium.
A programme for titans
The programme, compiled in collaboration with Productions Internationales Albert Sarfati and Korean promoter Labora, is tailor-made for grand soloists and orchestras. The evening opens with the stately overture from Mozart's La clemenza di Tito, followed by the imperial grandeur of Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 5, "Emperor Concerto". After the interval comes the ultimate Romantic test: Brahms' First Symphony, a work of monumental power and profundity.
Exclusive preview in Namur
Before the orchestra takes flight to Asia, the Belgian public gets a unique opportunity to experience this gala concert first. On Sunday 7 September at 4pm, the BNO and HaeSun Paik present the full tour programme at the Grand Manège in Namur. An exclusive farewell concert and a foretaste of a historic adventure.
South Korea itinerary:
- 24 September: Seoul Arts Center, Seoul
- 25 September: Andong Culture & Art Center, Andong
- 26 September: Gyeonggi Arts Center, Suwon
- 27 September: Gongju Culture and Art Center, Gongju
- 28 September: Daegu Concert House, Daegu
- 30 September: Aram Nuri Arts Center, Goyang