Country

:

South Korea

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Symphony

 

The KBS Symphony Orchestra is a classical music ensemble based in Seoul, South Korea. It was founded in 1956 as the first professional orchestra in the country, and has since become one of the most renowned orchestras in Asia. The orchestra was established by the Korean Broadcasting System (KBS), the national public broadcaster of South Korea. Its founding conductor was Kim Won-sik, who led the ensemble until 1969. Since then, the orchestra has been led by a number of distinguished conductors, including Lee Dong-jin, Kim Dae-jin, and Yoel Levi. The KBS Symphony Orchestra is composed of around 90 musicians, including strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion. Many of its members are graduates of top music schools in Korea and abroad, and some have won international competitions and awards. Over the years, the KBS Symphony Orchestra has performed a wide range of repertoire, from classical masterpieces to contemporary works. It has collaborated with many renowned soloists and conductors, including pianist Martha Argerich, violinist Maxim Vengerov, and conductor Lorin Maazel. One of the highlights of the orchestra's history was its performance at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul. The orchestra played at the opening and closing ceremonies of the games, and also gave a series of concerts throughout the event. This was a significant moment for the orchestra and for Korea as a whole, as it marked the country's emergence as a major player on the world stage. In addition to its performances in Korea, the KBS Symphony Orchestra has toured extensively around the world. It has performed in many prestigious venues, including Carnegie Hall in New York, the Royal Albert Hall in London, and the Musikverein in Vienna. The orchestra has also received numerous awards and accolades over the years. In 2010, it was awarded the Grand Prize at the Korea Classical Music Awards, and in 2012 it was named Orchestra of the Year by the Korean Music Critics Association. Overall, the KBS Symphony Orchestra has played a significant role in the development of classical music in Korea and has helped to raise the country's profile on the international stage. Its commitment to excellence and its dedication to promoting classical music to a wider audience have made it one of the most respected and admired orchestras in Asia.

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