SM Entertainment (hereinafter referred to as SM) has successfully completed the first orchestra concert of its classical & jazz label, SM Classics, brilliantly celebrating its 30th anniversary.
The 'SM Classics Live 2025 with Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra' was held over two days on February 14 at the Seoul Arts Center Concert Hall and on February 15 at the Lotte Concert Hall. The concert featured high-level performances by the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra, one of Asia's top orchestras, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary as a foundation and 80th anniversary since its establishment, drawing great interest from music fans even before the event.
In particular, this concert serves as an opportunity to reflect on the musical journey of SM Classics, which has consistently presented orchestral versions of SM's representative songs since its launch in 2020. It holds special significance as the first K-pop orchestra concert in the world, held in the heart of classical music in South Korea to commemorate SM's 30th anniversary as a pioneer of K-pop.
Following the opening narration by SHINee's Minho, the concert energetically opened the door to the world of classical music with 'Welcome To SMCU Palace.' The performance featured songs by SM artists such as BoA, TVXQ, Super Junior, Girls' Generation, SHINee, EXO, Red Velvet, NCT, aespa, and RISE, alongside works by classical masters like Vivaldi, Bach, Beethoven, Elgar, and Rachmaninoff. The grand performance by the 83-member orchestra created a musical harmony that transcended time and genre, providing the audience with a unique experience and deep resonance.
Additionally, the performance on the 14th was enhanced by media art direction that captivated both the eyes and ears, while on the 15th, Red Velvet's Wendy took the stage as a soloist, performing 'Like Water,' 'When This Rain Stops,' and 'Vermilion' with delicate emotion and outstanding vocals, filling the concert hall with profound emotion alongside conductor Kim Yoo-won and the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra.
The concert concluded with an encore performance of SM's iconic song 'Light (Hope),' which samples Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 'Choral,' marking the finale of the 30th anniversary concert. This performance showcased SM's endless challenges as 'sincere in music' and confirmed the confidence in SM's music, which continues to be loved by many across generations, much like classical music.
In this regard, SM Classics CEO Moon Jeong-jae stated, "I have been eagerly waiting for the day to present the music of SM Classics live to the audience. Starting with this Seoul performance, we will strive to showcase SM Classics concerts to music fans around the world." Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra CEO Jung Jae-wal expressed, "It is a nostalgic moment to present the results of the collaboration between the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra and SM, both of which hold the top positions in their respective fields. I am delighted that this performance can be enjoyed by both classical music fans and K-POP fans alike."
Meanwhile, SM Classics plans to actively promote its performance and sheet music IP licensing business, spreading its original IP worldwide.
[Ji Seung-hoon, Star Today Reporter]
