Hyundai Motor Chung Mong-koo Foundation sends CMK Ensemble scholars to Berlin, Verbier for global training

The Hyundai Motor Chung Mong-koo Foundation announced Friday that 13 CMK Ensemble scholarship recipients have embarked on a two-week global program running through July 24, traveling between Berlin and Verbier, Switzerland, for training at leading institutions, hands-on international experience, and exchanges with prominent artists.

Bass-baritone Samuel Youn, a professor in the vocal music department at Seoul National University, is leading the program as its supervising faculty member. The foundation launched its global project series in 2024 with an agreement with the Zurich University of the Arts in Switzerland, then expanded to the United States in 2025 through a partnership with the Korean Cultural Center New York, alternating between Europe and the Americas. Now in its third edition, the program returns to Europe, with activities in Berlin and Verbier.

From Saturday through Monday, masterclasses linked to the Berliner Staatsoper Open Studio will be held at the Staatsoper Unter den Linden — one of Germany's three major opera houses and a landmark national opera theater. Mezzo-soprano Hedwig Fassbender, a former professor at the Frankfurt University of Music and Performing Arts, and pianist Markus Zugehör of the Berliner Staatsoper Open Studio will lead sessions on vocal technique and musical expression.

After completing the Berlin leg, the scholars will travel to Verbier on Friday, July 17, to join the Verbier Festival, one of Europe's premier summer music events. On July 18, a workshop titled "Say it like you mean it," held in conjunction with the festival's academy, will feature pianist Pedja Muzijevic and Karen Zorn, president of the Longy School of Music of Bard College in Boston, who will give special lectures on stage communication.

On July 20, the "CMK Ensemble Showcase" will run for 70 minutes at Verbier Cinema before an audience of approximately 200 attendees and industry figures.

Beyond specialized musical training, the participating scholars will also take part in a range of cultural and arts programs designed to broaden their cultural literacy.

In Germany, the scholars will experience world-class music and arts venues through a tour of the Berliner Staatsoper, a performance of the opera "Samson and Delilah," and a visit to the Barenboim-Said Academy, co-founded by Daniel Barenboim and Edward Said. In Switzerland, they will attend a performance of the opera "Così fan tutte" and sit in on masterclasses by internationally renowned artists.

"We will continue to expand global projects that allow Korea's classical music talent to connect with leading educational institutions and music festivals around the world," a foundation official said.

Meanwhile, the Hyundai Motor Chung Mong-koo Foundation held a scholarship achievement and strategy presentation Thursday at Ondream Society in Myeong-dong, Seoul, reviewing 15 years of results from its scholarship programs and unveiling its future talent-development strategy.

The foundation said it aims to build a talent ecosystem encompassing education, research, global networking and social innovation — going beyond financial support to cultivate the leaders of tomorrow.