Youth orchestras bridge Yeongnam-Honam divide

The Busan Yemun Student Wind Orchestra, affiliated with the Busan Metropolitan Office of Education's student arts and culture center, performed Saturday at the "2026 Yeongnam-Honam Four-City Youth Exchange Concert" at Chonnam National University's Minjumaru hall, beginning at 3 p.m.

More than 400 young musicians from four youth orchestras representing Busan, Daegu, South Jeolla Province and Gwangju gathered on one stage, sharing classical melodies that defined their home cities and forging friendships through music. The Busan ensemble alone comprised 57 members ranging from fourth-grade elementary students to high school seniors.

The concert's highlight came in its second half, when 103 students from Busan, Daegu, Gwangju and Yeosu joined together as a combined Yeongnam-Honam Youth Orchestra for the closing performance.

Under the baton of conductor Son Gang-ji, the ensemble played "Vienna Fanfare AV 109" and "Prologue Circus," delivering a moving finale that embodied east-west harmony. "The very process of breaking down regional barriers and creating a single harmony will be a precious opportunity for growth for these young people," Son said.

The Busan Yemun Student Wind Orchestra capped the evening with the final solo set of the second half, putting 80 people on stage — the 57 members joined by their conductor, instructors and guest performers. They opened with "Prologue One," then moved through the lyrical "Greensleeves," the sweeping "Treasure Island" and the upbeat "Omens of Love," drawing the audience in with four wind-orchestra arrangements that showcased the ensemble at its best.

Park Eun-hye, director of the Busan Student Arts and Culture Center, said the program aims to help young people understand and connect with one another through music while nurturing emotional depth and a spirit of cooperation.