The Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra (SPO) is entering a new era of growth under the leadership of its Music Director, the world-renowned conductor Jaap van Zweden. Following his 2024 appointment, the former Music Director of the New York Philharmonic has become a key driving force in elevating the orchestra’s performance to the highest international standards.

In recent years, SPO’s bold endeavors have marked new milestones in the history of Korean orchestras. In 2025, SPO became the first Korean orchestra to be invited to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York and the McKnight Center in Oklahoma, making a profound impression on the global music scene. In 2026, the orchestra will once again showcase the excellence of Korean classical music on Europe’s most prestigious stages, including Amsterdam, Merano, San Sebastián. In addition, its complete performance and recording project of Gustav Mahler’s symphonies, along with releases on Apple Music Classical, reflect SPO’s forward-looking spirit in embracing the digital age.

SPO’s elevated international standing is the result of over two decades of consistent ambition and challenge. Since its incorporation as a foundation in 2005, the orchestra has achieved remarkable growth under the leadership of its inaugural Artistic Director, Myung-Whun Chung. In 2011, it became the first Asian orchestra to sign a long-term recording contract with Deutsche Grammophon (DG), presenting the essence of the standard repertoire. In 2014, SPO was invited to the BBC Proms in London secured its international reputation.

Under the tenure of Finnish conductor Osmo Vänskä, who became the orchestra’s second Music Director in 2020, SPO deepened its musical identity through a complete Sibelius symphony cycle. In 2022, a successful European tour across Salzburg, Amsterdam, Vienna, and London firmly established SPO as one of Asia’s leading orchestras. Furthermore, its recording of Isang Yun’s works on the Swedish label BIS contributed to promoting the artistic value of Korean classical music worldwide.

Committed to bringing classical music into everyday life, SPO realizes this vision through its “Everyday Classics” series. Large-scale outdoor performances such as the “Riverside Concert” and “Park Concert,” along with diverse outreach programs—including “Neighborhood Concert,” “Museum Concert,” “Rush Hour Concert,” and “Miracle Seoul”—expand opportunities for all citizens to engage with classical music.

Moreover, initiatives like the “Together Concert” and “Special Concert,” featuring collaborations with musicians with disabilities, embody SPO’s commitment to social integration and inclusivity. The orchestra also dedicates itself to nurturing future talent and broadening the foundation of classical music in Korea through systematic arts education, including masterclasses for emerging conductors and performers, as well as diverse programs tailored to different stages of life.

Founded as the Korea Symphony Orchestra in 1945, shortly after Korea’s liberation, SPO’s history mirrors that of modern Korean classical music. Inspired by the pioneering spirit of those who upheld the light of music even through times of the Korean War, SPO remains committed to innovation and passion without resting on tradition. It strives to enrich the lives of Seoul citizens and serve as a leading artistic partner, delivering the profound resonance of “K-Classical Music” music to audiences worldwide.