According to the foundation, the program brings professional classical and jazz musicians directly to students at Wau Elementary, Seongpo Middle, Gyeonggi Management High, and Millak Middle schools to expand access to the arts.
Which schools are participating in the concert tour?
The tour targets four specific educational institutions across Gyeonggi-do to bring professional performances to students who may not have easy access to traditional concert halls.
- Hwaseong Wau Elementary School: The tour opened here on May 11.
- Ansan Seongpo Middle School: The second performance took place on June 6.
- Bucheon Gyeonggi Management High School: Scheduled for June 8.
- Uijeongbu Millak Middle School: Scheduled for June 13.
What is the purpose of the Seongjeong Youth Open Concert?
The initiative transforms school auditoriums into professional venues for a day, allowing students to experience live versions of the classical music they study in textbooks.
This year’s tour coincides with the 45th anniversary of the foundation. Chairperson Kim Jung-ja has positioned the “visiting music trip” as a way to ensure students can encounter art regardless of their regional location or environment. The foundation also manages the Seongjeong Music Competition and various scholarship programs to support young musicians.
Who is performing and what is the repertoire?
The foundation curated a diverse lineup of vocalists and instrumentalists to make classical music more approachable. The programming blends traditional masterpieces with contemporary hits, including movie soundtracks, animation themes, and K-pop.
Featured Performers by Location:
- Wau Elementary: Violinist Kim So-jung, soprano Lee Young-sook, baritone Kwak Sang-hoon, and the Raon Brass Ensemble.
- Seongpo Middle: Soprano Kim So-won, classical guitarist Bae Jang-heum, baritone Hwang Jung-chul, and the Raon Brass Ensemble.
- Gyeonggi Management High: Soprano Lee Young-sook, tenor Choi Eun-seok, and jazz violinist Kim Bit-nal Yun-mi. This performance includes popular music from Michael Jackson, Bruno Mars, and Han Dae-soo.
- Millak Middle: Violinist Kim Hyun-soo, soprano Kang Yi-seul, and tenor Joo Sun-jung.
The Raon Brass Ensemble appears at multiple stops, performing a brass quintet set that includes the “Do-Re-Mi Song,” themes from Frozen and Pirates of the Caribbean, and the “Carmen Overture.”
Why does this initiative matter for student development?
The foundation aims to use these performances to spark imagination and emotional resonance in students. Chairperson Kim Jung-ja stated that a single piece of classical music encountered at school can broaden a student’s perspective and encourage them to dream.
“Art has the power to grow a person’s heart and make them imagine the future,” Kim said, according to the foundation. She added that the foundation will continue its cultural sharing activities so more youth can discover their own potential through music.
| School | Date | Key Performers | Genre Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wau Elementary | May 11 | Kim So-jung, Lee Young-sook | Classical, Animation OST |
| Seongpo Middle | June 6 | Kim So-won, Bae Jang-heum | Classical, Brass Quintet |
| Gyeonggi Management High | June 8 | Choi Eun-seok, Kim Bit-nal Yun-mi | Jazz, Pop (Bruno Mars, MJ) |
| Millak Middle | June 13 | Kim Hyun-soo, Kang Yi-seul | Classical, Vocal |
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