SM Classics and Seoul Philharmonic Make History with First K-pop Orchestra Concert for SM's 30th Anniversary
SM Classics and Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra partnered to deliver the first-ever K-pop orchestra concert, celebrating SM Entertainment's 30th anniversary. The historic performances took place on February 14-15, 2025, at Seoul Arts Center's Concert Hall and Lotte Concert Hall.
Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra performs on stage
The 83-member Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra, celebrating its own 80th anniversary, performed orchestral arrangements of SM Entertainment's most beloved hits. The concert opened with SHINee's MINHO narrating "Welcome to SMCU Palace," setting the stage for a unique fusion of classical and K-pop music.
The repertoire included songs from iconic SM artists including BoA, TVXQ!, Super Junior, Girls' Generation, SHINee, EXO, Red Velvet, NCT, aespa, and RIIZE. The program also featured classical masterpieces from Vivaldi, Bach, Beethoven, Elgar, and Rachmaninoff.
The February 15 performance featured a special collaboration with Red Velvet's Wendy, who performed "Like Water," "When This Rain Stops," and "Vermillion" alongside Conductor Yuwon Kim and the orchestra. The concert concluded with an orchestral arrangement of "Hope," incorporating elements from Beethoven's Symphony No. 9.
SM Classics CEO Jay JungJae expressed enthusiasm about the concert's success and plans to expand globally through concerts and sheet music licensing. Seoul Philharmonic CEO Jung Jae-wal highlighted the significance of their five-year collaboration with SM Entertainment in creating a concert that appeals to both classical and K-pop audiences.
The groundbreaking event marks a significant milestone in K-pop's evolution, successfully bridging the gap between popular and classical music genres while showcasing the versatility of SM Entertainment's musical catalog.
