For classical music fans in Korea, 2023 is set to be a thrilling year as a legion of prominent musicians and orchestras are scheduled to perform here. The Staatskapelle Dresden, one of the world s oldest orchestras, founded in 1548, will take the stage in Seoul this March.
An expanded global presence ― this may best describe Korea s culture and art scene in 2022, as a wider sphere of cultural fields has been in the international spotlight. These achievements were embodied in the many firsts and accolades bestowed at internationally acclaimed cultural festivals, including Korea s and Asia s first win at the Emmy Awards with “Squid Game,” a Korean actor s first Cannes prize, dozens of awards in literature and classical music, the opening of a renowned art fair and new waves in K-pop and K-dramas.
Belgian filmmaker Thierry Loreau, who has seen many Korean classical musicians rise to the top at international music competitions in recent years, says Korea is one place where classical artists can be treated like rock stars.