Songpa District Chorus invites public to 37th anniversary concert this fall

As autumn deepens, many find themselves drawn to music and the arts.

Local governments across the country have been responding to that seasonal mood by staging concerts for their residents.

Songpa-gu is joining that effort with a milestone event: the Songpa District Chorus will hold its 37th anniversary concert.

Performing under the theme "Like a Morning That Holds the Night," the chorus — which has won a national grand prize and placed second at an international competition — will take the stage Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at Songpa Arts Hall on the third floor of the Songpa Culture and Arts Center.

Founded in 1989, the Songpa District Chorus has contributed to the development of local arts through its rich vocal tone and harmonious melodies. Last year, the ensemble won the grand prize — the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Award — at the 19th Geoje National Choral Competition. This year, it went on to finish second overall at the Korea International Choral Festival Grand Prix.

The concert will span Western classical music, Korean original choral works and contemporary choral pieces, offering audiences a broad range of harmonies under the theme "Like a Morning That Holds the Night."

The program is divided into two parts. The first half will guide audiences into the world of romantic classical music with Western works including "Die Forelle," "Er ist's" and "Salve Mater."

The second half will feature Korean original choral pieces such as "Gaeul Changga" and "Gwaengibap," along with the lyrical title work "Like a Morning That Holds the Night," offering listeners a rich musical experience.

Rounding out the program are contemporary works with distinctive rhythmic energy — "Hold On," "Safari" and "Gloria Kajoniensis" — performed in collaboration with violin and percussion to showcase the full range of choral expression.

Songpa-gu District Mayor Seo Gang-seok said the concert holds special meaning. "The Songpa District Chorus has moved residents with beautiful harmonies for 37 years, and I am deeply proud of this anniversary concert," Seo said. "We will continue to create diverse performance opportunities so that residents can enjoy high-quality culture and arts in their everyday lives."

Admission is free for all seats. Advance reservations are available through Naver. For more information, contact the Songpa-gu Office's Culture and Arts Division.