The 1st KSCU Orchestra Regular Concert: Autumn Orchestra, Beyond Genres

[Part 1 Program Notes] Carmen Overture | G. Bizet This is the opening piece of the masterpiece opera "Carmen" by French composer Georges Bizet. It is characterized by intense and upbeat rhythms that make the hot Spanish sun and the heat of the bullfighting arena come alive before your eyes, and with its brilliant and heart-pounding melodies, it is the perfect piece to herald the beginning of the concert. Howl's Moving Castle OST 'The Waltz of Life' | Joe Hisaishi This is the main theme song from the animated film "Howl's Moving Castle" directed by Hayao Miyazaki. Its charming waltz-style melody is beautiful yet somewhat melancholic, and it expresses magical love and the passage of time as if a carousel is turning, earning great love from people around the world. Song of Parting | Poetry by Park Mok-wol / Composed by Kim Sung-tae (Tenor Han Ki-dong) This is a representative Korean art song in which composer Kim Sung-tae added melody to poet Park Mok-wol's poignant verse. It expresses deep longing and regret for a departing person through a subdued yet deeply appealing melody, conveying heart-stirring lyricism through the tenor's profound voice. You Raise Me Up | R. Loveland (Tenor Han Ki-dong) This masterpiece became a symbol of pop opera after its release by Secret Garden. It carries a message of hope and comfort: "Because you raise me up, I can cross even the stormy sea," and its development that begins gently and grows more majestic toward the end delivers overwhelming emotion. Tae Guk Gi OST | Lee Dong-jun This is the main theme of "Tae Guk Gi," which marked a major milestone in Korean cinema. It captures the tragic fate and deep brotherhood of two brothers that blossomed amid the tragedy of war through solemn and sorrowful orchestral melodies. Shin Arirang | Lyrics unknown / Composed by Kim Dong-jin (Soprano Lee Sol) This piece recreates the folk song Arirang, which represents the Korean spirit of "han" (deep sorrow), adapted to Western classical vocal technique and style. The soprano's clear yet sorrow-laden melody flowing over refined accompaniment stands out, and it is regarded as an art song that most beautifully expresses Korean sentiments. O mio babbino caro (My Dear Father) | G. Puccini (Soprano Lee Sol) This is the most famous soprano aria from Puccini's comic opera "Gianni Schicchi." It is sung by a daughter making an affectionate, petulant plea to her father to allow her to marry the young man she loves, and the brilliantly lyrical and beautiful melody, in contrast to the dramatic situation, is incomparable. Pirates of the Caribbean OST | K. Badelt This is the theme song from the film "Pirates of the Caribbean," which depicts the adventures of Jack Sparrow and pirates navigating vast seas. The magnificent sound of brass instruments and the rapid rhythm of sweeping strings provide the audience with a thrilling catharsis as if breaking through rough waves, magnificently concluding Part 1. [Part 2 Program Notes] Les Misérables Medley | C-M. Schönberg This medley piece weaves together cherished numbers from the musical of the century and film "Les Misérables," based on Victor Hugo's novel. The indomitable life force and noble love of the people who cry out for freedom and hope despite poverty and oppression unfold in music of overwhelming scale. Legends of the Fall OST | J. Horner This is the main theme (The Ludlows) from the film "Legends of the Fall," which depicts the love and tragedy of a family set against a vast natural backdrop. Composed by James Horner, a master of film music, this piece conveys both the solitude and romance of deepening autumn through lyrical and melancholic melodies. Shostakovich Waltz (Waltz No. 2 from Jazz Suite No. 2) | D. Shostakovich This is the most widely known work by Russian composer Shostakovich. Familiar through its use in various films and advertisements, unlike the elaborate Western waltz, this piece possesses a uniquely Russian melancholy and a mysteriously shadowed elegance that is captivating. On a Fine Day in October | R. Loveland (Soprano Lee Sol & Tenor Han Ki-dong) The original composition is Secret Garden's instrumental piece "Serenade to Spring," but in Korea, it has become a beloved national love song representing autumn with beautiful Korean lyrics. The two vocalists' romantic harmony fills the stage with warmth, offering the audience a moment of happiness. Over the Rainbow | H. Arlen This song is sung by Dorothy, the protagonist of the classic film "The Wizard of Oz," as she dreams of a beautiful world somewhere over the rainbow. The pure and hopeful melody of this timeless work, beloved by people worldwide, is offered to leave warm comfort and a small hope for tomorrow in the hearts of all who visit this concert today. [Synopsis and Planning Intent] This regular concert was planned to foster an open performance culture that anyone can appreciate and enjoy comfortably, by attempting fusion with various genres centered on classical music. Based on Soongsil Cyber University's forward-looking educational vision and cultural and artistic competence, students, professors, alumni, and professional musicians come together in unity to announce the beginning of a new musical community. "Singing passion and longing, and hope beyond the rainbow" This concert, where the authenticity of classical music harmonizes with the popularity of film and animation music, invites you on a special journey that awakens forgotten sensibilities and hope within the deepening season. The stage created by the vocalists' explosive vocal power and magnificent instrumental performance consists of two parts in total, delivering emotion as moving as a feature film. [Part 1] Melodies of Passion, Melancholy, and Longing Beginning with the passionate energy of Bizet's opera Carmen Overture, there follows the distant and mysterious melody from the animation "Howl's Moving Castle." Tenor Han Ki-dong's sweet voice conveys the Korean art song "Song of Parting" and the hopeful message of "You Raise Me Up," followed by the grand and touching performance of the "Tae Guk Gi" OST that stirs the audience's heart. Soprano Lee Sol unfolds "Shin Arirang" with elegant yet brilliant vocal color, the lyrical lyrics of Puccini's opera "O mio babbino caro (My Dear Father)," and the exciting "Pirates of the Caribbean" OST magnificently concludes Part 1. [Part 2] Life Like a Film, and Dreams Beyond the Rainbow Part 2 begins after intermission with the narrative performances of the musical "Les Misérables" and the film "Legends of the Fall" OST. Following the flowing and captivating rhythm of Shostakovich's Waltz No. 2, the highlight of this concert unfolds with soprano Lee Sol and tenor Han Ki-dong's duet "On a Fine Day in October," bringing the romantic atmosphere to its peak. The concert concludes with Arlen's masterpiece "Over the Rainbow," offering warm comfort and a message of hope for a better tomorrow to all those living through difficult daily lives, bringing the curtain down.