Artist Biography
The State Symphony Orchestra of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, based in Pyongyang, is North Korea's only Western-style symphony orchestra. It was North Korea's first ensemble of any kind devoted to Western classical music.
Known by Korean terms meaning "Pyongyang National Symphony Orchestra" in North Korea itself, the State Symphony Orchestra of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea was founded in 1946 under the name Central Symphony Orchestra. By 1948 it had come under the umbrella of the National Theater of Korea, accompanying stage productions such as Korea's first opera, People's Commanders. In 1956, the orchestra became an independent organization, but in 1969 it was once again affiliated with another organization, this time the Orchestra of the North Korean Arts Film Studio, for which it recorded film scores over the next decade. The orchestra also performed with the Sea of Blood Opera Company in the 1970s. In 1980, the State Symphony Orchestra of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea became independent once again and assumed its current name.
The orchestra gave the world premiere of Isang Yun's Exemplum in memoriam Kwangju, in 1982; the ensemble has remained closely associated with the music of this South Korean-born composer. The State Symphony Orchestra of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea toured Poland in 1992. In 2000, the orchestra received the Kim Il-Sung medal, North Korea's highest civilian honor. In 2008, the group participated in the groundbreaking concerts given by the New York Philharmonic Orchestra in North Korea and was conducted by Lorin Maazel. It has occasionally collaborated with South Korean orchestras including the KBS Symphony Orchestra in Seoul. Headquartered at its own hall, the Moranbong Theatre in Pyongyang, the orchestra performs programs consisting roughly of 70 percent domestic North Korean compositions and 30 percent Western works. It contains modified versions of Korean traditional instruments as well as those of the Western symphony orchestra.
The orchestra has made more than 15 recordings for North Korea's domestic KMC label. In 2012, for the Camerata label, it recorded Isang Yun's Symphony No. 1, along with another work by the composer. In 2019, the orchestra gave a concert including such works as the symphonic poem Eternal Ode to Victory, the female vocal solo Peace is Guaranteed by Our Arms, and the female trio Our National Flag. The concert was attended by North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il. ~ James Manheim
Hometown
North Korea
Genre
Contemporary Era
