Classical music fest headed to Pyeongchang

2016 PyeongChang Music Festival & School kicks off next month in which visitors can enjoy world-class classical performances, surrounded by nature. [2016 PYEONGCHANG MUSIC FESTIVAL & SCHOOL]

This PyeongChang Music Festival & School returns to Daegwallyeong, Gangwon, this year, letting visitors enjoy the natural world and classical music at the same time.

The festival was formerly named “Great Mountains Music Festival & School” but changed its name this year to reflect the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, said Chung Myung-wha, the festival’s artistic director.

Chung Myung-wha and Chung Kyung-wha have served as artistic directors since 2010 and have worked to involve world-renowned artists in its Distinguished Artists Series.

This summer, the festival will spotlight master composers under the theme “The Immortal Classics: Bach, Beethoven, Brahms and Beyond.”

“We have been focusing on three regions that take important positions in classical music: North European countries, Italy and Spain,” said Chung Myung-wha. “The three composers, often called ‘Three Bs,” are immortal geniuses who are at the heart of Western musical history.” She added that while the artistic directors were studying their music, they decided to pay special attention to other composers whose name starts with the letter B.

As a result, the music of 26 composers ranging from the 17th-century on will resonate through the halls.

“We not only concentrated on playing renowned masterpieces but also tried to shed light on lesser-known pieces like Bruckner’s string quintet,” said Chung Kyung-wha.

The Distinguished Artists Series invites renowned figures to Pyeongchang, including violinist Mihaela Martin, cellist Frans Helmerson, Novus Quartet and many more. Seventeen new performers will also take the stage, including pianist Norman Krieger, soprano Elizabeth De Trejo, mezzo soprano Monica Groop and tenor Kim Dong-won.

The two artistic directors will also perform. In July 31, cellist Chung will play Bach’s cello suite in D major and on August 5, she will play the Piano Trio, Op. 70, No.1 “Ghost” along with pianist Kreiger. Chung Kyung-wha , a violinist, will also appear on July 12 and Aug. 3 to play pieces by Brahms.

Meanwhile, up-and-coming pianist Son Yeol-eum will participate in the festival’s organization as assistant artistic director. “I was also born in Gangwon so I have special affection to this festival,” she said. “I will do my best to overcome the considerable pressure on this role.”

For more information on ticket price and schedule, visit www.gmmfs.com or call 02-729-3394.

BY KIM HYE-JUN [kim.hyejun@joongang.co.kr]