July Festival Illuminates 20th-Century French Music

Seoul is set to resonate with the sounds of 20th-century French music throughout July as The House Concert presents its "Light of France" festival. Running from July 1st to 31st at the House of Artists in Daehangno, the festival shines a spotlight on a diverse range of French composers.

This year's July Festival, a tradition since 2002, shifts its focus from individual composers to a national theme. The program will explore the rich tapestry of 20th-century French music, centering on Claude Debussy and Maurice Ravel, and extending to Erik Satie, Les Six, Jean Françaix, and Olivier Messiaen.

The opening and closing concerts will feature young conductors and rising artists. The July 1st opening night, led by Park Kang-hyun, will present Debussy's "Petite Suite" and Ravel's "Piano Concerto in G Major," with rising pianist Hong Seok-young as the soloist. The closing performance on July 31st will be conducted by Park Geun-tae, featuring Debussy's "Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune" and Ravel's "Le Tombeau de Couperin," with pianist Lee Kwan-wook performing.

The core of the festival lies in its piano and chamber music series, with a particular emphasis on the piano works of Debussy and Ravel. Debussy's compositions will be explored over three separate programs, while Ravel's will be presented across four, including pieces for two pianos to emulate orchestral sound. Performances tracing the lineage from Satie to Les Six will offer a glimpse into a different current of French modern music.

Beyond the piano, the festival includes "Voices of France," a series exploring French art songs from Debussy and Ravel's era onwards, featuring soprano Choi Yoon-jung and tenor Lee Ki-up. "Artist in Focus" segments every Monday will highlight a different ensemble, followed by audience discussions. This year, the festival also extends its reach beyond Seoul, with performances scheduled in Gyeongnam, Jeonbuk, Busan, Miryang, Cheongju, and Seosan.