Commission to Seung-Won Oh

Seung-Won Oh from South Korea is an acclaimed composer whose music transcends traditional boundaries. In her works, she often juxtaposes soloists with an ensemble – the conflict between the will of the individual and the demands of the collective is a frequent theme. Seung-Won Oh has been commissioned by the Musicus Society in Hong Kong to write a new double concerto entitled Umbra for cello (played by Trey Lee), Ondes Martenot (played by Nadia Ratsimandresy) and the string orchestra Musicus Soloists Hong Kong.

This work aims to explore the blend of timbres and aesthetics, expand existing stylistic notions associated with these instruments, and be performed without a conductor, creating a close, intimate relationship between soloists, ensemble musicians and the score.

“Umbra will be a composition that unites the rich sonic tapestries of the cello and the ethereal musical waves created by the Ondes Martenot with the string orchestra. As the title suggests, Umbra explores the fascinating interplay between shadow and light in a scientific and visual approach, viewed through a personal and musical lens. Together, the musicians weave a soundscape that blurs the boundaries between tradition and innovation, between the tangible and the intangible, in which cello and ondes martenot dance, converse and merge, accompanied by the strings as a resonating body. The string orchestra serves as a canvas on which the cello and Ondes Martenot paint their expressive melodies and harmonies. It creates an orchestral aura that is both captivating and evocative, often acting as a sounding board that amplifies the different voices of the two protagonists and makes them resonate,” says Seung-Won Oh about her commissioned composition, which is made possible by the Ernst von Siemens Music Foundation.

Further information:
musicussociety.org

Dates

November 16, 2024
Salle Gaveau, Paris

November 23, 2024
Hong Kong City Hall