Presented
by Sookmyung Philharmonic Orchestra
Reviewed by Catherine
Hollyman
Sookmyung
Philharmonic Orchestra started in 1962 at the College of
Music, part of Sookmyung Women’s University (SMU). Since then they have given
over 100 performances, always renowned for the depth and variety of its
repertoire.
For
the concert in Sydney, the Orchestra was joined by six professors as a concert
master and key principals. Together, they took the audience on a harmonious
journey through Australia and Korea’s golden years, performing classics from
the likes of Mendelssohn, Verdi and Puccini.
As
it always does, my heart was all a flutter and my stomach dancing with
wonderment as I climbed the Opera House steps. Despite her age the old girl has
definitely still got it.
Surprisingly,
I realised as I sat down that this was my first time at an orchestral playing.
I felt a little bit like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman when Richard Gere takes
her to the opera.
The
bilingual announcements signalled the arrival of the all-female musicians and,
as they took their places, the audience was a hive of excited chatter and a
sense of enchantment.The conductor brought the hall to a silence as she placed
her book on the stand and faced her comrades. Bows poised at the ready, they
looked like an elegant army about to do battle against an unseen force. The
audience hushed, and their fearless leader guided them into motion and the
evening began.
Subconsciously,
the front line of violinists swayed together as one as they played, giving the
impression of an ocean’s tide. As the music intensified, it felt like it was
lapping up against you. Closing youreyes, you let it wash you away.
I
left feeling somewhat privileged; like I’d just been treated to a true honour. And
of course, as expected, the opera house didn’t fail to deliver. She really is
the epitome of a classic.
