CreatripTeam

On Oct. 14 at Seoul Arts Center, conductor Edward Gardner led the London Philharmonic with Korean pianist Son Yeol-eum in a vividly balanced program. They opened with Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1, where Son’s powerful yet refined touch contrasted with sweeping orchestral textures; Gardner acted as a precise, expressive bridge between soloist and ensemble. The concert moved from the horn’s majestic opening and a lyrical second movement to an explosive, nonstop finale that drew a 10-minute standing ovation. In the second half, the orchestra performed Mendelssohn’s “Calm of the Sea and Joyful Voyage” and Brahms Symphony No. 2, highlighting woodwind shimmer and brass depth. The tour continues to Daejeon, Busan, and Suwon. (Son Yeol-eum: prominent Korean pianist)