Since 1956, the KBS Symphony Orchestra (KBSSO) has led Korea’s classical music community with high-caliber performances. Over 100 concerts yearly include subscription series, seasonal / thematic concerts, and invitational performances for cities, corporations, and cultural outreach across Korea. Broadcasts on TV and radio bring their admired music to the public anytime, anywhere.
Renowned conductors like Lim Won-sik, Hong Yeon-taek, Won Kyung-su, Othmar Maga, Chung Myung-whun, Dmitri Kitaenko, and Yoel Levi have led the orchestra. Pietari Inkinen became the ninth music director in 2022, elevating expectations for its global reputation. Founded under the Korean Broadcasting System in 1956, it became a national institute in 1969, returning to KBS in 1981. Now, the KBSSO is Korea’s driving force in classical music.
Programme
Sang Jin Kim: Hommage a Antal Dorati for Oboe, Violin, Viola, and Cello
(Ⅰ. La Cigale | Ⅱ. Romance | Ⅲ. Lettre d’amour | Ⅳ. Berceuse | Ⅴ. A.D.)
Gerald Finzi: Interlude for Oboe and String Quartet, Op.21
Alexander Borodin String Quartet No. 2 in D Major
(Ⅰ. Allegro moderato | Ⅱ. Scherzo. Allegro | Ⅲ. Notturno. Andante | Ⅳ. Finale: Andante — Vivace)
Artists
Byung Ho Choi: Violin
Byung-Ho Choi, assistant concertmaster of KBS Symphony Orchestra and adjunct professor at Sangmyung University, is a highly accomplished violinist. He studied at Kärntner Conservatory, Austria, and with Zakhar Bron in Spain. Winner of prestigious competitions, he has performed solo at notable venues including Casa de Cantabria Hall, Spain, and Seoul Arts Center.
Sunkyung Ban: Violin
Sunkyung Ban, a renowned violinist, debuted at 15 as a Kumho Young Artist in Korea. She holds master’s (M.M) and top performer (A.D) degrees from Yale University. Ban has won prizes in prestigious competitions, performing as a soloist and chamber musician in Korea and the US, including the 60th Anniversary Concert of the Korea-US Alliance. She is the principal 1st violinist of the KBS Symphony Orchestra and a member of Avec String Quartet and Lars Ensemble.
Duk Jin: Viola
Duk Jin, a talented violist, earned his B.M. from Kunstuniversität Graz in Austria and a diploma from Hochschule für künste Bremen. He achieved the 1st prize at XX International Music Competition Premio Vittoria Caffa Righetti in Italy and performed as a soloist at German Violist Day and Max Reger Forum. Currently, an Adjunct Professor at Sookmyung Women’s University and Korea National University of Arts, and Viola Principal in the KBS Symphony Orchestra.
Woo Jin Kim: Cello
Woo Jin Kim, a skilled cellist, completed his studies at Seoul National University (B.A.), Universität Mozarteum Salzburg (Kleines Diplom and Grosses Diplom Magister), and Robert Schumann Hochschule Düsseldorf (Konzertexamen). He earned 1st prize at JoongAng Music Concours and 2nd prize at The Music Association of Korea Competition. Currently, he is the principal cellist at KBS Symphony Orchestra, performing over 80 concerts annually and engaging in chamber music activities with Koreana Chamber Music Society and Seoul Soloist Cello Ensemble.
Jimin Lee: Oboe
Jimin Lee, principal oboist of KBS Symphony Orchestra, also performs with ensembles such as Curtis & Friends, The Piri, and Diverse Ensemble. She toured internationally in the USA, Europe, Japan, and China. As a soloist, she played with renowned orchestras, including Korean Symphony and Korean Chamber Orchestra. Alongside her performances, she shares her knowledge at Seoul National University, Yonsei University, Hanyang University, and as an Adjunct Professor at Dankook University. She holds a B.M. from The Curtis Institute of Music and an M.M. from The Juilliard School.