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Masterpieces with Engaging Commentary: Classic Busan Presents the Matinee Concert

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Busan Concert Hall, a new hub for classical music in Busan, will present the “Matinee Concert,” offering audiences a chance to enrich their weekday mornings with artistic inspiration.

Classic Busan of Busan Metropolitan City announced that it will host the “2026 Classic Busan Matinee Concert” at the Chamber Hall of Busan Concert Hall, ahead of the opening of the Busan Opera House in 2027. The program aims to popularize opera and foster local artists.

The term “matinee concert,” derived from French, refers to performances typically held during weekday daytime, often called a “morning concert” or “11 a.m. concert.”
These concerts primarily target middle-aged and senior audiences who enjoy leisure activities during this time. Through a guided concert format with commentary, audiences can more easily and enjoyably understand the background of the works and the characteristics of each role.

This series has been designed as a “commentary concert” to help audiences engage more closely with opera. The performances will be conducted and explained by Kim Kwang-hyun, Music Director of the Classic Busan Orchestra, who is widely regarded as one of Korea’s leading conductors specializing in opera and ballet.

Kim’s distinctive wit and in-depth interpretations are expected to make opera especially appealing to newcomers.
The performances will feature a refined ensemble centered on principal members of the Classic Busan Orchestra, tailored to the scale of the Chamber Hall. Regional opera coach Kwon Subin will also participate, enhancing the overall quality of the production.

In particular, this concert series is part of a youth artist development initiative designed to establish the foundation for the Busan Opera House’s production-oriented theater model. It will also serve as a debut stage for nine emerging artists who are expected to become Busan’s next generation of stars.

Since 2023, Busan Metropolitan City has directly selected professional opera and ballet personnel, providing them with opportunities to strengthen their capabilities through rehearsals and performances presented to the public. Beginning in 2024, the program has expanded to include ballet.

For opera principal and supporting roles, participants were selected through a creative opera previously performed at the Chamber Hall. This year, the “Matinee Concert” has been planned to provide young artists with opportunities to perform a diverse range of popular works and to grow professionally.

These artists will take on roles tailored to each production, enhancing their practical performance skills, and will also have opportunities to appear as leading performers in future productions by Classic Busan.

From May through November, audiences will be able to enjoy engaging commentary by the conductor on four of the most beloved operatic works. All performances will begin at 11:00 a.m.

The series includes Mozart’s fantastical masterpiece The Magic Flute on May 6, Donizetti’s lively romantic comedy L’elisir d’amore on August 12, Verdi’s tragic opera Rigoletto on September 16, and Bizet’s passionate drama Carmen on November 25.

Tickets are priced at KRW 20,000 for all seats and can be reserved through the Classic Busan website at https://classicbusan.busan.go.kr. For further inquiries, contact Busan Concert Hall at 051-640-8888.

Park Min-jeong, Head of Classic Busan, stated, “Ahead of the opening of the Busan Opera House, we have created an opportunity for citizens to more easily understand and enjoy opera.” She added, “We will foster a sustainable artistic ecosystem where future talents can grow together, enabling Busan to become a true opera city.”