Celebrating Diversity on a Global Stage – World Orchestra Festival 2025

2025 World Orchestra Festival – Celebrating Diversity on a Global Stage

Daegu Concert House (DCH) proudly presents the 2025 World Orchestra Festival, to be held from 19 Sep – 19 Nov. Over the course of 60 days, the Grand Hall will host 18 remarkable concerts, bringing together leading orchestras, celebrated soloists, and rising talents under the theme of Diversity.

Festival Goes Global
For the first time, the festival expands beyond Korea. The Daegu Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Conductor Baek, Jin-Hyoun, will tour Japan with pianist Miyuji Kaneko, performing in Fukuoka, Hiroshima, and Osaka. This historic overseas edition commemorates the 60th anniversary of Korea–Japan diplomatic relations and the 28th anniversary of the Daegu–Hiroshima sister-city partnership, reflecting Daegu’s growing role as a UNESCO City of Music. 

Daegu Symphony Orchestra (Photo credit: KIMHYUKSANG)

Left: Baek Jin-Hyuon (Photo credit: KIMHYUKSANG) Right: Miyuji Kaneko_Piano (Photo credit: Seiichi Saito)

World-Class Orchestras
The Daegu stage will feature some of the most prestigious ensembles in the world. The NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra, conducted by Alan Gilbert with violinist Joshua Bell, will perform Brahms’ Violin Concerto alongside the Korean premiere of Restless Oceans by GRAMMY-nominated composer Anna Clyne. The Slovenian Philharmonic, under Kakhi Solomnishvili with pianist Minsoo Sohn, will make its Korean debut. The Belgian National Orchestra will appear with pianist Haesun Paik, recognised internationally for its close association with the Queen Elisabeth Competition. Adding a distinctive European colour, the Norwegian Chamber Ensemble will bring refined chamber music shaped by Nordic lyricism. 

Asia in Harmony
Daegu continues to strengthen its role as a hub of Asian cultural collaboration. This year, the festival welcomes the Symphony Hall Super Brass from Osaka and the Jiaxing Tide Philharmonic Orchestra from China. Their participation builds meaningful networks across Korea, Japan, and China, turning the festival into a true platform of regional cooperation.

Celebrating New Creations
The festival also highlights the creativity of Daegu-based composers. New works by Howon Lee, Eunsil Kwon, Seung-Eun Lee, Eun-Jung Suh, and SungMi Park will receive their world premieres, performed by local orchestras. These fresh creations not only embody the festival’s theme of diversity but also demonstrate the vitality of Daegu’s contemporary cultural scene.

Left to Right: Eun-Jung Suh, Howon Lee, Eunsil Kwon, Seung-Eun Lee, SungMi Park

Korean Excellence
The programme further showcases Korea’s distinguished ensembles. The Daegu Symphony Orchestra will open the festival, while the DCH Virtuoso Chamber will perform with pianist Julius-Jeongwon Kim. The KBS Symphony Orchestra will join rising violinist Randall Goosby in a free concert for the public. Contributions from Ensemble TIMF, DIO Orchestra, and the Daegu Wind Ensemble will add contemporary programmes and premieres, strengthening the national presence at this international event.

Left to Right: NOVO Philharmonic Orchestra, KBS Symphony Orchestra, Ensemble TIMF, DCH Virtuoso Chamber

Future Generations and Tradition
The festival also embraces the next generation of artists and the richness of Korean tradition. The Gyeongbuk Arts High School Orchestra, conducted by Nanse Gum, and the Daegu Youth Orchestra, under Yoonhak Baek, will showcase youthful energy and promise. The Nangye Traditional Music Orchestra will contribute depth and resonance with the distinctive sounds of Korean heritage, bridging past and present on the festival stage.

Left to Right: Nanse Gum, Yoonhak Baek (Photo credit: BonsookKoo), Nangye Traditional Music Orchestra

A Festival for All
The 2025 World Orchestra Festival offers audiences an unparalleled journey through music. By presenting world-class orchestras, national ensembles, regional talent, and new works, it embodies the power of diversity while affirming Daegu’s place as a cultural leader in Asia and beyond. 

For further details and ticket information, please visit the official Daegu Concert House website and SNS channels. (Inquiries: +82-53-430-7700)