I landed in Seoul on Sunday, and today it finally begins: the Belgian National Orchestra’s tour of South Korea kicks off with the first concert at the Seoul Arts Center. To outsmart the jet lag, I arrived a few days earlier from Helsinki, where I’ve just started rehearsals for Humperdinck’s Hänsel und Gretel.
Seoul keeps amazing me. I’ve been here several times as a guest conductor with the Seoul Philharmonic, but every time I’m struck again by the city’s vibrant energy. And the food… simply irresistible!
Yesterday, our section leaders opened the tour with a chamber music concert at the brand-new Shinsegae Trinity Hall — a venue with truly sensational acoustics. Afterwards, the dinner made us feel a little closer to home: sausages and Belgian fries… in Seoul!
Antony
(left) The past few days have also been a celebration of encounters. Pianist Nikola Meeuwsen – this year's winner of the Queen Elisabeth Competition – happened to be on tour in Asia, and coincidentally also in Seoul, so we enjoyed a pleasant dinner together. © Antony Hermus
(right) Wayne Lin, the phenomenal concertmaster of the Seoul Philharmonic, was also ready for an evening of Korean BBQ. (As you can see, you don't go hungry here.) © Antony Hermus
A little bit at home in Korea. © Antony Hermus
