The 7th Artel Philharmonic Orchestra Regular Concert: New Year Concert for National Unity

[PERFORMANCE INTRODUCTION] Artel Philharmonic Orchestra 7th Anniversary Commemoration National Integration New Year's Concert In the new year of 2025, to heal the conflicts and divisions in Korean society through music and to open a "unified gathering where all citizens come together," the Artel Philharmonic Orchestra presents the National Integration New Year's Concert. This performance, themed "Harmony in Diversity, Hope in Unity," is a large-scale music festival symbolizing Korea's new beginning, transcending generations, regions, and the boundaries between people with and without disabilities. In particular, world-renowned baritone Sung-Hyun Ko has been invited as co-chairman of the organizing committee and special guest artist, along with beloved national singer Sa-Ik Jang, the Arang Gogochang Percussion Group that reinterprets Korean traditional percussion in contemporary ways, the Miracle Voice Ensemble—a vocal group of singers with developmental disabilities, musical theater actor Soo-Ham Lee, Artel Musical Players, and a 200-member combined chorus formed specially for this performance, who will deliver a grand and moving stage together with a 70-piece large orchestra. We live in an age of confusion and conflict. However, if we acknowledge our differences and raise our voices together, we can become one again. This New Year's concert depicts "Korea's new beginning—finding harmony in diversity and building hope in unity." Beginning with Beethoven's heroic melodies, moving through songs infused with Korean sensibility and national emotion, and finally reaching a chorus where our voices blend and burst forth in jubilation… Part One embodies the power of great classics and individual emotion, while Part Two follows the flow of passion–emotion–Korean lyricism–unity, depicting the "completion of unity" where citizens sing together. In the final song "People are Just Like That," all performers and audience members become one voice singing the message "We are people who live together." [PROGRAM] ■ Part One – Immortal Masterpieces & Our Moving Moments Beethoven Symphony No. 7 Called the "Symphony of Energy," this masterpiece symbolizes the vitality of life. Bright rhythms and deep resonance illuminate our first steps of the new year. Beethoven's "Heroica" & "Sweet Victor Divine" from the Musical The human will to overcome adversity is expressed through a fusion of classical and contemporary musical theater. Musical actor Soo-Ham Lee and Artel Musical Players will perform together. A Star Shines for You – Miracle Voice Ensemble The touching pure voices of singers with developmental disabilities. It conveys genuine "artistic resonance" that transcends prejudice. I Believe – Sung-Hyun Ko & Miracle Voice Ensemble A song symbolizing trust and hope for one another, showcasing warm harmony that transcends generations. ■ Part Two – Passion·Emotion·Korean Lyricism·Unity Super Lady & Queen Card – Arang Gogochang K-Top 7 A special performance combining traditional Korean janggu percussion and the energy of popular music. A spectacular display of rhythms maximizing the spirit of the new year. Song of the Earth – Sung-Hyun Ko & Combined Chorus A masterpiece singing of vast nature and the human spirit. An overwhelming emotional impact unfolds from the 200-member chorus. Prologue – Sung-Hyun Ko A work based on Yun Dong-ju's poem "Prologue," containing reflections on nation and humanity. Pioneer – Sung-Hyun Ko, Jung-Heon Lee, and Audience Participation The moment everyone sings together, this stage becomes a citizen-participatory music festival. Korean Lyricism – Spring Will Come / Wild Rose Flower Two representative masterpieces imbued with Korean sensibility and lyricism. Arranged as a stage for cross-generational resonance. Ode to Joy – Sung-Hyun Ko, Miracle Voice Ensemble, Combined Chorus The climax of Beethoven's Symphony No. 9. Symbolizing "humanity's unity" as people join hands and sing together. People Are Just Like That – All Performers and Audience A grand finale chorus. Carrying a message of small conflicts and reconciliations between people, and shared understanding.