Reviving the Magic: A Look Back at the Lotte Concert Hall's 2019 Year-End and New Year's Eve Concert with Shin-ik Hahm and Symphony Song
The roar of the crowd that filled the Lotte Concert Hall at the end of 2019 still feels vivid. Now, seven years later, the magic of that night is once again a hot topic among music fans. With a recent broadcast bringing the performance back into the spotlight, even those who weren't there to witness the magic firsthand are joining in on the excitement.
The Unmistakable Synergy of Shin-ik Hahm and Symphony Song
The stars of this concert, which ran from December 31, 2019, to January 1, 2020, were unequivocally conductor Shin-ik Hahm and his orchestra, Symphony Song. As always, he directed his musicians with boundless energy, and the audience was instantly captivated by his spell. Symphony Song, an ensemble celebrated for the warm resonance of its strings, perfectly interpreted major works by Beethoven and Tchaikovsky, infusing them with their unique color under Hahm's dynamic direction.
What Happened That Night at the Lotte Concert Hall
Among the countless concerts that mark the end of the year, this one stands out because it transcended a simple performance to become a true celebration. The highlight of the year-end concert was undoubtedly the impromptu jam session towards the end. The cheerful glances exchanged between Shin-ik Hahm and his orchestra members, the spontaneous applause and laughter from the audience – that night, the formalities of classical music were shed in favor of pure, shared joy.
- Repertoire: The "Ode to Joy" solo from Beethoven's Symphony No. 9, movements from Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite, and a medley of Korean art songs arranged by Shin-ik Hahm himself.
- Special Moment: Right before the midnight bell, the entire audience joining in a (sort of) sing-along to "Eine kleine Nachtmusik" has become the stuff of legend.
- Encore: After four encores, Shin-ik Hahm playfully encouraging his visibly tired musicians brought huge laughs from the fans on site.
Rediscovering the Legacy of That 2019 Night
The recently released live footage and audio recordings from that night have become a precious gift to music lovers. These recordings, which have only grown more remarkable with time, clearly demonstrate how the perfect acoustics of the Lotte Concert Hall merged with Shin-ik Hahm's unique charisma. While some lament, "If only we could experience that 2019 energy again," there's immense gratitude that the recordings allow us to trace the breath and spirit of that unforgettable evening.
A representative from the concert hall shared, "The 2019 Year-End and New Year's Eve concert remains one of the brightest moments in our venue's history. We are committed to continuing to curate and present such legendary performances." Here in 2026, we are still listening to the echoes of that night's applause.