Classical music fans may be seen flocking to the Seoul Arts Center in the upcoming autumn months of October and November to witness some of the finest one-night-only performances from three world-class musicians.

Anne-Sophie Mutter has been internationally regaled as being one of the greatest violin virtuosos of modern times for the past four decades.

The four-time Grammy Award winner gives concerts in all the world’s important music centers, her fame much accredited to her early career under the guidance of the late Herbert von Karajan -- one of the greatest conductors of the 20th century as well as one of the world’s top-selling classical music recording artist of all time. 
 

The violinist has performed world premieres of 24 works and has garnered a reputation as a pioneer in classical contemporary music, with a number works composed specially for her by well-known composers such as Sebastian Currier, Henri Dutilleux, Sofia Gubaidulina and Witold Lutoslawski.

The recital will feature the works of Beethoven, Mozart, Respighi and Saint-Saens.

The violinist is slated to perform at the Seoul Arts Center’s Concert Hall on Oct. 14 at 8 p.m. Ticket prices range from 50,000 won ($46) to 180,000 won. For more information, call 1577-5266.

Julia Fischer

German violinist Julia Fischer, 33, is recognized worldwide for her pure tone and technical brilliance, making her one of the most-sought after soloists in the classical music world today.

In 1995, Fischer was thrust into the spotlight after taking home the top prize at the International Yehudi Menuhin Violin Competition under the tutelage of Lord Yehudi Menuhin, winning both the first prize and the special prize for best Bach solo work performance.

Her repertoire spans from Bach to Penderecki, from Vivaldi to Shostakovich, including over 40 works with orchestra and about 60 chamber music pieces.

The upcoming concert program will include Dvorak’s Sonata in G Major Op. 100, Schubert’s Sonata in D Major, D. 384 and Brahm’s Sonata No. 3 in D Minor, Op. 108.

Fischer will perform at the Seoul Arts Center’s Concert Hall on Oct. 21. Ticket prices range from 50,000 won to 130,000 won. For more information, call 02-599-5743.

Chung Kyung-wha

For local classical music fans, Chung Kyung-wha needs no introduction as one of Korea’s most recognized and highly regarded musicians. 

She first began playing the violin at the age of 6 and was immediately recognized as a child prodigy. She made her concert debut at the tender age of 9 with the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra, performing the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto. At 13, Chung enrolled at The Juilliard School in New York City and began studying with masters Ivan Galamian and Joseph Szigeti.

After winning the prestigious Edgar Leventritt Competition in 1967, Chung was quickly sought after by some of the world’s most prestigious orchestras, including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the New York Philharmonic.

In 2011, Chung made her official comeback to the stage with the launch of her first concert tour after coming out of her “temporary retirement” due to a finger injury.

She is also scheduled to release her first album in 15 years on Oct. 5.

Chung’s upcoming concert recital will be entirely dedicated to the works of Bach. The performance will be held at the Seoul Arts Center’s Concert Hall on Nov. 19 at 2 p.m. Ticket prices range from 40,000 won to 150,000 won. For more information, call 1577-5266.

By Julie Jackson (juliejackson@heraldcorp.com)