Young Maestro Klaus Mäkelä and RCO Debut in Seoul, Pointing to a New Era
Creatrip Team
4 months ago
Klaus Mäkelä (29) made a strong impression leading the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra (RCO) in their first joint visit to Seoul on November 5 at Seoul Arts Center. Seen as a rising star, Mäkelä—who will become RCO's chief conductor in 2027—led a clear, precise performance that drew tight ensemble playing from the orchestra. Pianist Kirill Gerstein, described as “the world's busiest pianist,” joined for Brahms' Piano Concerto No.1, where his quiet, dense pianissimo was supported by Mäkelä's refined balance. The program continued with Bartók’s Concerto for Orchestra, a work shaped by the composer’s exile and illness, in which Mäkelä and the RCO highlighted distinct instrumental voices, strong brass, and agile strings. The concert confirmed Mäkelä’s blend of passion and meticulous control and raised expectations for his future tenure with the RCO.
