This year, Art Center Incheon is celebrating its first anniversary. Over 40 performances have been held in the past year meeting the expectations of classical enthusiasts. This section introduces the steps that the art center took and the steps to be taken in order to become a global classic cultural space that represents Korea.
Art Center Incheon, The Beginning
Art Center Incheon was established with the goal of becoming a world-renowned cultural and arts space and to expand opportunities for citizens to enjoy high-quality classical performances. It is the third-largest classical theater in Korea following the Seoul Arts Center and Lotte Concert Hall, and it employed the world's best design methods.
The concert hall is completely curved so that you will not feel an acoustic deviation no matter where you seat. The walls of the wave-form ceiling vary in thickness and materials depending on the distance from the stage, and the backrests of each seat are also different. The acoustic design with side wall reflection effect and internal/external noise and vibration isolation facility can deliver even the finest of sounds, thus realizing the world-class sound. Bright colors were applied to the overall surface of the concert hall so that the audience can focus on listening rather than seeing.
Art Center Incheon also takes pride in its surroundings. Located on the northwestern seaside of Songdo with an ocean view, Art Center Incheon's unique exterior was inspired by the shape of the hand of a maestro. Since its opening, many additional transportation routes have been developed to improve access for more citizens. Art Center Incheon has completed its preparation to become a landmark of Incheon when it opened.
A Year Full of World’s Best Stages
The high-quality performances of Art Center Incheon were presented to people starting with the opening performance of the Italy’s prestigious Santa Cecilia Orchestra and the world-class pianist Sungjin Cho, followed by special concerts by world-renowned classical musicians such as the recital of Hilary Hahn, who is referred to as the empress of violin, performance by Dresden Philharmonic & Julia Fischer showcasing the essence of the German classics, <La Creation> by La Fura dels Baus, the performance by Philadelphia Orchestra & Cho Sungjin, and English Concert & Sumi Jo. It also held special performances for audiences of various age groups such as the Kids Classic <Pink Pong Classic Country>, and <Flying Symphony>. Such efforts of Art Center Incheon were in line with the purpose of its establishment, 'expanding the opportunity to access high-quality classical performances for citizens'.
Art Center Incheon’s Tomorrow, Closer to People
Art Center Incheon presented world-class artists' per formances, pleasing classical enthusiasts over the past year, as well as casual classical performances that the general public can enjoyed. There are a total of 40 various performances scheduled in the future. Art Center Incheon is planning to hold more than 60 performances a year starting next year. Open house concerts and concerts performing a series of popular repertoires will also be planned to reduce the psychological distance between the audience and classical theaters. Art Center Incheon, which will showcase various forms of classics to the public without any filtration, will please our eyes and ears as a global culture and arts space.
