Seoul International Music Festival returns to celebrate beauty of human life

The Seoul International Music Festival (SIMF) returns for its 18th edition with a curated series of classical music to offer comfort, hope and joy to audiences. The festival will present seven concerts from Oct. 8-16 at the Seoul Arts Center and Lotte Concert Hall in Seoul under the central theme "Bravo My Life!" Artistic Director Ryu Jea-joon framed the seven concerts into a single narrative arc reflecting human existence. The journey begins with the opening concert "Breath" and continues through "Three Portraits," "Serenade," "Light and Shadow," "Wonderful Memories," "Dichterliebe" and the closing concert "Humanity, That Brilliant Journey." "We prepared classical music with care to deliver comfort, hope and joy, encouraging everyone who lives their daily lives faithfully," Ryu said during a recent press conference. "I hope the beautiful music played by these precious artists offers small strength, courage and warm comfort to your lives." He said the festival will bring together musicians carrying their own stories from countries around the world, including the Czech Republic, Spain, Au