Welcome

 

Shu, Young Lim
President of Seoul Arts High School

 

 

 

 

 

 

It is my great honour and joy beyond expression to have this historical concert at Musikverein in the heart of Vienna, the Capital of Music!

Seoul Arts High School (Yego) has produced excellent artists(14,000 so far) in the fields of music, fine art and dancing since 1953. It means Yego has taken a role as the cultural center of Korea and the witness toward 21st century.

I'm sure Yego's pride and confidence is based on its unique philosophy of foundation and principles of education distinct from any other schools. Yego was founded on the Christian philosophy of Liberty, Love and Peace with the purpose of cultivating verified young artists in terms of artistic interest and talent to make them truly professional artists. Therefore, Yego has endeavored to cultivate true human beings as well as embrace speciality of art education.

I believe arts basically assume that 'We are all one family'. I also learned from my teacher this precious lesson that "Art is a family". The first step toward this is to serve others and respect them in daily life and to grow positivity and competitiveness to participate in reform with no fear.

I believe that Yego's concert at Musikverein will open a new scheme to show how our efforts so far compose history and tradition and create new future. For I know that our little hearts will gather together to create God's great symphony toward home, society and all mankinds. Therefore, we are on this tiresome but irregrettable journey today.

I'd appreciate it very much if you kindly give us a big applaud of encouragement and criticism to let us fly over the sky toward this passion and hope with our young and innocent players.

Last of all, I'd like to express my special thanks to the parents and teachers who endeavored very hard for this concert and the conductor Mr Gum who contribute his precious time and energy. I pray God's boundless grace will be with them all forever.

 

 

KIM Sung-Hwan
Ambassador of the Republic of Korea

It is gratifying that these young musicians, who no doubt will be counted one day among the top in their field in Korea and even in the world, are able to celebrate this major performance at the Musikverein in the heartland of music where numerous virtuosos before them have given monumental performances.

When Federal President Heinz Fischer was in the Republic of Korea on a state visit this April, one of the important topics was cultural exchanges between Austria and Korea-both countries are united in their determination to further strengthen them. In all areas, the fine arts, in theater or film, in dance or music, a series of cultural events with a connection to Korea are being held in Austria this year.

This concert by these young students will make a substantial contribution to the already close relationship and good understanding between our two countries. I believe that today's performance of the Seoul Yego Youth Symphony Orchestra will be a special opportunity for the students to speak to friends in Austria through the universal language of music. At the same time they will have the valuable experience of gaining an insight into Austria and its culture.

On this note I would like to whole-heartedly welcome the Seoul Yego Youth Symphony Orchestra once again and wish the students another excellent performance this evening. And to the audience, may you enjoy the concert!