Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra to open Prague Spring festival

The Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra (SPO) has announced its 2027 season plans, highlighted by a historic appearance at the Prague Spring International Music Festival. Under the direction of Music Director Jaap van Zweden, the SPO will become the first non-European orchestra to perform the festival's opening program, featuring Bedřich Smetana’s ‘Má vlast’ (My Homeland) in May 2025.

To prepare for the festival, the orchestra will perform the complete cycle of ‘Má vlast’ at Lotte Concert Hall in April, followed by a European tour including stops in Vienna and Rome. Van Zweden noted that his insistence on performing with the SPO rather than a guest ensemble was a key factor in securing this prestigious opening slot.

The 2027 season will center on the theme of ‘freedom,’ commemorating the 200th anniversary of Beethoven’s death. The repertoire will include Beethoven’s opera ‘Fidelio,’ various symphonies, and violin concertos. Additionally, the SPO plans to collaborate with pianist Seong-Jin Cho for a piano concerto performance. The orchestra also aims to promote ‘K-classic’ by commissioning new works from composer Shin Dong-hoon.