Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra Celebrates 30 Years of SM Entertainment with 'SM Classics Live'

The Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Kim Yoo-won, held a special concert titled 'SM Classics Live' on February 14 and 15, celebrating the 30th anniversary of SM Entertainment by performing orchestral arrangements of its hit songs. K-pop fans, including No Jin (28), Debbie (26), and Tiffany (26), who are currently studying in the Philippines, gathered at the Lotte Concert Hall to enjoy the unique blend of K-pop and classical music. They expressed their excitement, stating, 'It was refreshing to hear our favorite K-pop songs presented in a classical format.'

The concert featured iconic tracks such as Red Velvet's 'Red Flavor,' EXO's 'Growl,' and Girls' Generation's 'Into the New World,' resonating through the halls of the Seoul Arts Center and Lotte Concert Hall. While orchestras in South Korea have recently expanded their repertoire to include music from dramas, films, and games, this was the first time the Seoul Philharmonic focused solely on K-pop. The second day of the concert, which featured Red Velvet's Wendy, sold out quickly. The walls of the venue were adorned with symbols representing various SM groups, from early idols like H.O.T. and TVXQ to the youngest girl group, aespa. Minho from SHINee, who hosted the event, remarked, 'The orchestral music born from the fusion of K-pop and the styles of great classical composers is a classic for both now and the future.'

The concert highlighted the challenge of merging the upbeat and vibrant nature of K-pop with the rich harmonies and textures of orchestral music. A key aspect of the performance was the extensive involvement of SM's composers in the arrangements. The opening piece, 'Welcome To SMCU PALACE,' hinted at this innovative approach, blending elements from various genres, including Stravinsky's modern music, musicals, and Disney animations. Songs like 'Red Flavor' and 'Sherlock' by SHINee were brought to life with a colorful array of percussion and brass instruments.

Notably, the arrangements incorporated references to classical masterpieces to create a seamless experience. For instance, the beginning of Red Velvet's 'Feel My Rhythm' featured Bach's 'Air on the G String,' while Girls' Generation's 'Into the New World' opened with Elgar's 'Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1,' adding grandeur to the performance. EXO's 'Growl' stood out with its dynamic transformation, starting with the melody from Beethoven's 'Symphony No. 5' and evolving into a march-like refrain. However, the orchestral arrangements seemed to favor ballads over dance tracks, and Wendy's performance in the second half felt more like an accompaniment.

The collaboration between the Seoul Philharmonic and SM Entertainment began five years ago, initially sharing performances of hits like 'Red Flavor' on YouTube, which garnered millions of views. This positive response led to the recent concert. Wayne Lin, the orchestra's associate concertmaster, noted the challenge of expressing K-pop's dance rhythms and vocal styles through orchestral sound, but it provided a fresh challenge for the musicians. Ultimately, this concert marked a new chapter in the 30-year history of K-pop.