BNK Financial hosts free KNN Symphony Orchestra concert for citizens

BNK Financial Group announced Wednesday that it will hold a concert featuring the KNN Broadcasting Symphony Orchestra on Aug. 26 at 7 p.m. at Ocean Hall on the second floor of Busan Bank's headquarters, as part of its "Play on BNK" cultural performance series.

"Play on BNK" — subtitled "Enjoy with Citizens" — is BNK Financial Group's flagship cultural program, opening Ocean Hall at Busan Bank's headquarters to the public free of charge. The series spans classical music, popular music, comedy and lectures, and the upcoming event marks its 26th installment.

The August performance will be built around "The Carnival of the Animals," the celebrated work by French composer Camille Saint-Saëns. Audiences will hear all 14 pieces capturing the characteristics of various animals — including a lion, a tortoise and a swan — performed by the KNN Broadcasting Symphony Orchestra.

True to the original instrumentation, pianists Kim Hwa-ju and Nam Jun-hwi will perform on two pianos alongside the orchestra. Seo Hwi-tae, music director and principal conductor of the KNN Broadcasting Symphony Orchestra, will offer accessible commentary between pieces, making the concert easy and enjoyable for audiences unfamiliar with classical music.

Reservations open Wednesday through Tuesday, Aug. 25, via Busan Bank's mobile banking app, and admission is free. Attendees may choose between reserved and general seating. Reserved seats will be held until 10 minutes before the performance begins; latecomers will be directed to available seats based on conditions at the venue.