Lotte Concert Hall Revisits the Magic of Ham Shin-ik and Symphony Song's 2019 New Year's Eve Concert
The roar of the crowd that filled the Lotte Concert Hall at the end of 2019 still feels vivid. Now, seven years on, the magic of that night is causing a stir once again among music fans. With a recent broadcast bringing the live performance back into the public eye, even those who missed out on experiencing 'the magic' first-hand are getting caught up in the excitement.
The Unmistakable Chemistry of Ham Shin-ik and Symphony Song
The stars of this concert, which ran from December 31st, 2019, into the early hours of New Year's Day, were undoubtedly conductor Ham Shin-ik and his ensemble, Symphony Song. As always, he directed his musicians with an electrifying energy, and the audience was instantly captivated by his spell. Symphony Song, an ensemble particularly renowned for the warm resonance of its strings, perfectly rendered grand works by Beethoven and Tchaikovsky, infusing them with their own distinct colour under Ham Shin-ik's dynamic baton.
The Night the Magic Happened at Lotte Concert Hall
Among the many concerts that mark the year-end, this one stands out in conversation because it was more than just a performance—it was a true celebration. The undeniable highlight of the evening was an impromptu session towards the end. The cheerful glances Ham Shin-ik exchanged with the orchestra members, the spontaneous applause and laughter from the audience—it was a moment that broke the formal mould of classical music, celebrating pure, shared joy.
- Repertoire: The 'Ode to Joy' solo from Beethoven's Symphony No. 9, Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite, and a medley of Korean art songs specially arranged by Ham Shin-ik.
- Special Moment: Just before the bells rang for the New Year, a spontaneous, audience-wide 'sing-along' to 'Eine kleine Nachtmusik' became the stuff of legend.
- Encore: Ham Shin-ik's playful encouragement of his visibly tired musicians after a staggering four encores brought roars of laughter from the crowd.
Revisiting the Record of That Night in 2019
The recently released live footage and audio from that night have become treasured gifts for music lovers. These recordings, only more precious with time, vividly demonstrate how the pristine acoustics of the Lotte Concert Hall perfectly merged with Ham Shin-ik's signature charisma. While some fans express a wistful longing, saying things like, "If only we could relive that 2019 energy," there's also deep gratitude for being able to trace the echoes of that night through the recordings.
A spokesperson for the concert hall commented, "The 2019 New Year's Eve concert remains one of the most brilliant moments in our venue's history. We are committed to continuing to curate and present such exceptional performances." Here in 2026, we're still listening to the echoes of that night's magic.