Countdown at Concert Halls: Prestigious New Year’s Eve Performances Fill Seoul
Creatrip Team
3 months ago
As year-end nears, Seoul venues offer diverse New Year’s Eve concerts—from Western classical to traditional Korean music and ballet. On Dec. 31, Seoul Arts Center hosts its long-running ‘New Year’s Eve Concert’ led by Korean-Canadian conductor Yoon (I-eol) with the National Symphony, featuring pianist Kim Da-sol and violinist Daniel Gu; program highlights include Bernstein’s Candide overture, Liszt’s Piano Concerto No.1, and Respighi’s Pines of Rome, followed by an outdoor countdown and fireworks. Sejong Center stages a Beethoven Ninth performance by conductor Chung Myung-whun and the KBS Symphony (Dec. 30) and a Dec. 31 “Adieu Concert” in the chamber hall with conductor-pianist Baek Yoon-hak and the Voerstman Quartet. The National Korean Opera Company presents a year-end gala of changgeuk (traditional Korean opera) on Dec. 31 showcasing selected pieces that convey human emotions, with star performer Kim Jun-su appearing. Popular seasonal ballet The Nutcracker runs at both companies: the National Ballet at Seoul Arts Center and the Universal Ballet at Sejong. These programs offer a festive, cultural way to welcome the new year.
