Pianist-turned-renowned conductor Ivan Fischer has retaken the helm of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra Amsterdam, returning to Seoul to showcase his four-day homage to the symphonies of Ludwig van Beethoven.

Noted as one of the most prominent Hungarian conductors of his generation, Fischer is guest conducting the historic RCO, now in its 127th year, for four consecutive nights in Seoul starting Monday at the Seoul Arts Center. 

“It’s been a fantastic discovery for me, the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra is an excellent, very special orchestra (playing) at an exceptional level,” said Fisher during a press conference held at a hotel in Seoul on Monday, hours before the night’s concert.

Comprising of 120 musicians, the RCO is regarded as one of the world’s top orchestras. After unveiling the full Beethoven symphony cycle in Luxembourg last week, the RCO’s performance in Korea marks the only stop in Asia for its current tour.

“Although I have performed Beethoven’s symphonies hundreds of times … many, many times … I always find something new,” said the conductor. “And the greatest joy (for me) is to share this discovery with the audience.”

Fischer said he specifically chose not to perform the symphonies in chronological order in an effort to highlight the classical music legend’s personal “duality” ― from his subtle elegance to his temperamental virility.

“I don’t like to interpret at all ... I try to understand the composer, not only the notes, but the intentions,” he added. “What I hope to convey is the personality of Beethoven.”

“At times he was an extreme introvert and at other times, he really just wanted to open up and express himself to people,” he added. “If you come to all the concerts, I think you will go home with the feeling that you know Beethoven personally.”

During the press conference it was also announced that next year the RCO would welcome the orchestra’s first ever Korean musician ― violinist Lee Ji-won, who will be seated as the assistant leader of the second violins. 

“I think more and more, Korean musicians will play a larger role in Western culture,” the conductor said. “Right now Korean soloists are starting to dominate in classical music, and I think very soon, Korean orchestras will play a dominant role as some of the world’s best orchestras.”

Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra Amsterdam led by Fischer will perform through Thursday at the Seoul Arts Center’s Concert Hall, with the ensemble’s finale performance to feature an international choral quintet singing alongside the National Chorus of Korea and the Seoul Motet Choir. Ticket prices range from 80,000 won to 380,000 won. For more information, visit www.sac.or.kr/.

By Julie Jackson (juliejackson@heraldcorp.com)