(C) mymusic5

Music Director Kim Moon-jung, the "Maestra" who has spearheaded the explosive growth of the Korean musical industry, recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of "The M.C Orchestra." As South Korea's first and longest-running professional musical orchestra, Kim credits their survival and success to "flexibility" and the relentless absorption of diverse musical genres.

Over the past two decades, Kim has led the Korean premieres of legendary Broadway and West End productions, including The Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, and Man of La Mancha. During an interview at the Sejong Center, she noted that the Korean audience has become remarkably sophisticated. "It's no longer just about who is on stage; audiences now ask which orchestra is playing," Kim explained, highlighting a shift toward valuing the musical foundation of productions.

To mark this milestone, The M.C Orchestra will hold a commemorative concert on the 28th at Lotte Concert Hall. The performance will feature a 40-piece orchestra and a 20-member children's choir. The repertoire is designed as a "chronology" of Kim's career, featuring original cast members from Elisabeth and Evita. The concert will also offer a glimpse into the future with music from the upcoming Korean production of Disney's Frozen and the premiere of songs from Kim’s new original musical, Mong-yu-do-won.

[ⓒ Global Economic Times. 무단전재-재배포 금지]