[Features-reporter] How young conductors in Korea are fine-tuning their skills

Korea has been hitting all the right notes in the classical music world with stars like Lim Yun-chan and Cho Seong-jin taking the world stage.

Now the industry is setting the stage for a new generation of conductors to take the baton.

Our culture correspondent Song Yoo-jin tells us how.

Inside this hall, the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra is full in rehearsal.

But today, a new face leads the podium, under the watchful eye of a familiar one, music director Jaap van Zweden.

The orchestra has opened its doors to rising conductors through the "2025 SPO Jaap van Zweden Conducting Fellowship."

Here, the baton isn't just passed.

It's being earned.

"To be in front of an orchestra, and be with them, and work with them is a completely different experience than preparing this in a room where you are alone or just with a pianist."

The eight young conductors, selected through an open audition, worked closely with Korea's top orchestra for three days.

"So 1, 2, 3, and then 4, 5, 6."

Van Zweden focused on three key skills: mastering the smallest detail, knowing when and why to stop the orchestra, and most importantly, how to fix something that's gone wrong.

"We always have to learn that the power is with the orchestra and not with us. We just bring out all the potential. Orchestra don't want authority by just being an authority, but they want to see the authority of knowledge, what you know about how to fix things."

These young conductors have already built impressive careers, working with orchestras across Europe and the U.S. and training at top music schools.

Yet, they seized this chance to grow, because in music, as in life, there's always more to learn.

"It's really special that the maestro took the time to praise us. As young conductors, we need that encouragement. It gives us the confidence to push ourselves further. He doesn't overlook that."

"Most masterclasses last for just a day. This program is on a whole other level. We spent an entire week working closely with the music director and rehearsing with the orchestra. Opportunities like this are invaluable."

It's a priceless lesson, freely given, where a legend hands down everything they know, shaping the maestros of tomorrow.

Song Yoo-jin, Arirang News.