Korean composer Cho Younje (Image courtesy of the Korea National Symphony Orchestra)
SEOUL, Aug. 15 (Korea Bizwire) – In a fusion of environmental activism and classical music, Korean composer Cho Younje, 34, is set to premiere his latest work, “Whale,” at the KNSO International Academy Gala Concert COLORFUL on August 20 at the Lotte Concert Hall in Seoul.
The piece, which aims to sonically portray the suffering of whales in degraded marine environments and under human hunting pressures, showcases Cho’s reputation for creating diverse scenes with minimal musical elements.
“I wanted to express through orchestral sound the pain of whales groaning in devastated marine environments and being cruelly hunted by humans,” Cho explained during a rehearsal break at the Seoul Arts Center’s N Studio on August 13.
Cho, who composed “Whale” during his participation in the National Symphony Orchestra’s Composer Atelier last year, drew inspiration from news articles and videos about Japanese whaling.
“I’m grateful that it has been designated as the overture for the KNSO International Academy Gala Concert,” he added, clearly moved by the opportunity to debut his work in a formal concert setting.
The composition opens with a muted soundscape reminiscent of the deafening underwater pressure, before employing the “glissando” technique — a glide from one pitch to another — to vividly recreate whale vocalizations.
Multiple layers of sound are used to represent the undulating movements of ocean waves.
“This piece involves many sonic experiments,” Cho said. “I designed the composition so that each instrument in the orchestra symbolizes a whale through the glissando technique.”
Cho’s interest in environmental and animal welfare issues extends beyond this piece. Having studied composition in the United States, he often found himself grappling with themes of ecology and wildlife.
The piece, which aims to sonically portray the suffering of whales in degraded marine environments and under human hunting pressures, showcases Cho’s reputation for creating diverse scenes with minimal musical elements. (Image courtesy of Pixabay/CCL)
“Recently, I’ve been imagining new sounds themed around coral reefs and other marine elements,” he shared. “It’s a subject I feel compelled to continue exploring in my work.”
The composer, who has a keen interest in the psychological effects of sound, hopes that the whale vocalizations expressed through instruments will prompt the audience to reflect more deeply on environmental and animal-related issues.
“I’ve been studying and pondering sound psychology as part of my doctoral research,” Cho said. “I hope ‘Whale’ will leave a lasting impression on people and perhaps inspire some change.”
Cho, who holds a master’s degree in composition from Indiana University, has been gaining recognition in the international music scene.
Last year, he was selected for the American Composers Orchestra’s (ACO) EarShot Readings, an incubator program for next-generation composers.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
