Gyeonngi Phil’s fans expectations for ” Marriage of Figaro” in March. With the majestic “Verdi Requiem” in July, it’s a successful conclusion.

Massimo Zanetti, Music Director of the Gyeonggi Philharmonic Orchestra, is set to part ways with the Gyeonggi Philharmonic Orchestra this year with general regret about it. The compositions chosen for this final year, are the perfect fit for this last part of the journey.

Before his appointment,  Zanetti was  mainly active in Europe and  not so well known in Korea. His popularity and recognition have been growing since the beginning of his charge as Music Director, allowing the Gyeonngi Phil to develop even more throughout his mandate.

Hwang Jang-won, a music columnist, said: “We evaluate his work pretty highly in terms of musical performance.  He refined the ensemble in detail and moved in a more mature direction. Zanetti’s very personal, sensible and pleasant interpretation has convinced the audience”.

This year’s performances by Zanetti and the GPhil  are expected to show their musical philosophy, strength and solidity they have accumulated so far.  Mozart’s “Marriage of Figaro”, which will be presented in March, can be considered the fans’  most anticipated appointment, considering that opera is the main specialty for Zanetti. 

Many fans were disappointed that they haven’t been able to witness any of his opera performances, except for Mozart’s “Don Giovanni.” Although “Marriage of Figaro” will be presented in a semi-staged setting, Zanetti’s unique delicacy and musical colours will be a good gift.

The Seoul Arts Center Orchestra Festivals from 2019 to 2021, were literally a barometer showing the current position of the Gyeonggi Philharmonic. The performances were always sold out, the repertoire and the high-quality performances, considered the highlights of the Festival , captivated the audience.

In particular this year, following Respighi’s “ Roman Festivals” and “Pines of Rome”, the Fountains of Rome will mark the grand finale of the Roman trilogy. Despite being such a famous and popular work, Respighi’s Roman series is enriched by Zanetti’s special touch and it is expected to be another highlight and to fully show the Gyeonngi Philharmonic potential.

Massimo Zanetti has expressed his desire to perform the entire Schumann Symphonies Cycle as well as the Beethoven’s. Schumann’s Symphonies are consider to be among the hardest compositions to be interpreted, as they reflect the composer’s  troubled life. Last year the Gyeonngi Phil surpassed the audience expectations by playing Symphonies No. 1 and No. 2 with a reduced Orchestra. This year they will complete the Cycle by playing the remaining Symphonies No. 3 and No. 4. 

Verdi Requiem, which will be played  in July, is the largest, most powerful, colorful and majestic religious music the Composer  has left behind. The fact that the Requiem, a music about the fate of death, is set up as the last performance of Zanetti and Gyeonggi Phil, seems to have the meaning of closing a strong relationship, in which they grew up together contemplating intensely, asking questions in a continuous and deep research.

Park Hyung seok, a classic aficionado and customer advisory committee member of the Gyeonggi Art Center, said: “There is a lot of enthusiasm about Zanetti’s success . His recognized skills are solid and there are not so many conductors who are this good and perceived as symphatetic character by the audience.

His departure is a shame, but I hope we can keep successfully cooperating until the end, because we’ve shown very good performances so far. I’m really looking forward to Figaro’s Marriage, Schumann and Respighi”.