CreatripTeam

The 2nd Haslla International Arts Festival concluded in Gangneung with a diverse program that combined classical music, literature, and media art. Highlights included performances of Beethoven’s Triple Concerto and Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite by Trio Haslla and the Gangneung Philharmonic, and the music-theater piece “Chuil Seojeong (Autumnal Lyric)”—based on poet Kim Kwang-kyun—composed by Choi Woo-jung. Pianist Sunwoo Yekwon performed Chopin’s 24 Preludes against media art inspired by Shin Yun-bok’s “Portrait of a Beauty,” while community-linked free concerts (called “Udeol Music Festival”) at local sites engaged audiences closely. A special joint stage with Japanese ARK Classics Festival artists marked the 60th anniversary of Korea-Japan diplomatic normalization. Artistic director Cho Jae-hyuk thanked artists, staff, volunteers, the Gangneung Art Center, and audiences; the festival will return in 2026 with the theme “Love and Friendship.” (Haslla — a regional name tied to Gangneung)