Sungjin Cho and Gyeonggi Philharmonic: Perfect Contrast of Power and Nuance
Creatrip Team
3 months ago
At Seoul Arts Center on Dec. 12, pianist Cho Seong-jin collaborated with the Gyeonggi Philharmonic under music director Kim Sun-wook in the final concert of the orchestra’s Masters Series. Cho performed Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, showing both dynamic, percussive attack and delicate lyricism across its variations. The performance began with lively, staccato energy and precise articulation; from the 12th variation Cho shifted to a more introspective, slower line that let the piano sing, highlighted by the celebrated 18th variation’s clear melody supported by warm strings. The concert opened with Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet overture and concluded with his Symphony No.6 “Pathétique,” conducted with concentrated, tragic restraint by Kim. After sustained applause, Cho and Kim embraced on stage, and Cho returned with two encores: Chopin Waltzes No.10 (poignant) and No.14 (brilliant). (Gyeonggi Philharmonic: regional professional orchestra)
