Conductor Daniel Barenboim to be replaced by Christian Thielemann for Seoul concerts

Berlin-based conductor Daniel Barenboim [JOONGANG ILBO]

Berlin-based conductor Daniel Barenboim, 80, will not be present for the "Daniel Barenboim & Staatskapelle Berlin" two-day concert which was slated for next month in southern Seoul, said Mast Media on Tuesday.

"Despite his recent health issues, Daniel Barenboim had shown strong will to lead Staatskapelle Berlin for its concert in Korea, but for safety issues and the success of the concerts, he has concluded that it will be best if he does not come," said the company in a statement.

Barenboim has been grappling with health issues in recent years and has been withdrawing from multiple scheduled performances.

Barenboim will be replaced by German conductor Christian Thielemann.

Thielemann has taken over for Barenboim before, conducting Staatskapelle Berlin during the opera "Der Ring des Nibelungen" at the Berlin State Opera, earlier this year. He is currently the conductor of Staatskapelle Dresden.

The orchestra will perform the same pieces as previously scheduled — Brahms’ “Symphony No. 2 in D Major, Op. 73" then “Symphony No. 1 in c minor, Op. 68.”

The concert venues and time remains unchanged as well — Lotte Concert Hall in Songpa District on Nov. 28 at 8 p.m., and Seoul Arts Center in Seocho District on Nov. 30 at 7:30 p.m.

Those who want a refund can call Interpark's customer service center at 1544-1555 and can cancel the tickets without additional fees.

BY LEE JIAN [lee.jian@joongang.co.kr]