Led by renowned violinist Kang Dong-suk, festival’s longevity underscores quiet power and appeal of chamber music
This spring marks the 20th anniversary of the Seoul Spring Chamber Music Festival, known as the SSF, a milestone that reflects not only the event’s resilience despite challenges but its quiet influence on Korea’s chamber music scene.
Founded in 2006 by renowned violinist Kang Dong-suk with support from the Seoul Metropolitan Government, the SSF emerged in a musical landscape that lacked long-term, stable platforms for chamber music. Two decades later, it remains Korea’s only enduring chamber music festival — an achievement Kang never takes lightly.
Kang, whose original motivation was simply to share the joy of chamber music with others, has built a platform where seasoned musicians and emerging talents converge over two weeks each year. The festival has presented about 15 performances annually, often introducing lesser-known works alongside well-loved classics.
Two artists who have been with the festival since its inception — violist Kim Sang-jin and pianist Kim Young-ho — joined Kang at a press conference in Seoul, Monday, where they attributed the festival's continuation and success to Kang.
Kim Sang-jin emphasized the singular identity of the festival. “What gives SSF its color is Kang himself. He’s the heart of it,” he said.
"Without Kang at its central figure, it would have been difficult to maintain for 20 years. Now there are many great young chamber ensenbles and even chamber ensenble boom," Kim Young-ho noted.
Despite its success, the festival faces familiar challenges. Funding is confirmed just two months ahead of the opening each year, leaving little room for long-term planning. Private sponsorship has grown, but the overall budget has not increased compared to its early years. “This remains our biggest challenge,” Kang admitted.
Still, the festival continues to thrive on creativity and community. It is known for introducing lesser-known works alongside staples of the repertoire. Kang delights in the process of discovering new pieces — sometimes recommended by colleagues, sometimes unearthed from obscure recordings. “People think unfamiliar music won’t be enjoyable but that’s not true,” he said. “There are so many great works out there. Part of our role is to share them."
Learning new music is not always easy. “At first, it felt like a trouble having to learn a new piece,” Kim Young-ho said. “But the more I play, the more meaning I find in it. That’s the joy of it.”
For Kim Sang-jin, one of his most memorable moments came about 15 years ago, when he joined a sextet that included a then-rising pianist named Cho Seong-jin. “Looking at the photo now, they all look like babies,” he said. “I was one of the younger musicians then and now I’ve become the senior. But that’s the magic of chamber music — it brings generations together.”
"In chamber music, you play with your teachers, your peers and younger musicians. You forget your age. It becomes about listening, creating harmony — and that resonates with audiences everywhere," the violist added.
In the meantime, the mission remains the same: to share the joy of chamber music. “For two weeks each year, we gather musicians we admire and make music together. That’s the essence,” Kang said.
Kim Sang-jin summed it up: “Chamber music is a musician’s favorite genre, even if opera is the audience’s favorite. It reveals the inner voice of composers. People often say that the level of a country’s classical music can be measured by its chamber music. I think we’re finally getting there.”
Under the theme "20 Candles," symbolizing two decades of devotion to chamber music, the festival will run from April 22 to May 4, featuring 14 performances by 69 artists at various venues, including the Seoul Arts Center, Sejong Center for the Performing Arts and the historic residence of former President Yun Po-sun.
gypark@heraldcorp.com
