Enthused German-Korean youth orchestra performs at Funkhaus Halberg in Saar, Korea-Connection event
In a remarkable display of international collaboration, the Seoul YMCA and the LJO Saar joined forces for a captivating concert on July 24, 2025, held in the large broadcast hall of the Halberg. The event was part of the "Korea-Connection Saar" programme.
Under the passionate leadership of musical director So il Chung, both orchestras delivered a moving rendition of "Arirang Fantasy," a piece that resonated deeply with the audience. The performance, played in six variations, was particularly emotional and evoked a powerful response from the crowd.
So il Chung, a professor at Kangnam University, expertly led the ensemble, demonstrating his exceptional conducting skills. The concert was introduced by two orchestra members, who presented So il Chung and explained the individual musical pieces in both Korean and German.
During the concert, an arranged version of the Korean folk song "Arirang Fantasy" was performed, and all Korean guests sang along loudly, adding an extra layer of emotion to the performance. The audience expressed special thanks to conductor So il Chung for his leadership of the unique ensemble from Seoul and Saarbrücken.
At the end of the concert, Korean representatives took to the stage to thank the German-Korean orchestra for their performance. It was a night to remember, with the applause for the young musicians not wanting to end.
While information about this event is not widely available in the media, it appears that either the event has not been publicly announced or documented, or it may be a forthcoming or niche event without widespread media coverage yet. For detailed or confirmed information, it's recommended to check official communications from the Seoul YMCA, Landes-Jugend-Symphonie-Orchester Saar, or musical director So il Chung’s official channels directly.
The LJO, with over 40 years of experience in offering opportunities to young, talented musicians, and the Seoul YMCA, part of a worldwide network that includes the CVJM in Germany, proved that music truly has the power to bridge cultural divides.
The concert, a unique fusion of Korean and German talent, showcased a lifestyle infused with entertainment and music, proving the power of collaborative artistry. The performance, under the leadership of So il Chung, demonstrated how music can transcend borders and bring people together, aligning with the ethos of the Seoul YMCA and LJO Saar.
