Tongyeong International Music Festival

Springtime’s arrival at the scenic port city of Tongyeong also brings the sounds of classical music—thanks to the annual Tongyeong International Music Festival (TIMF). Commemorating composer Isang Yun (1917-95), who was a native of the city, the inaugural TIMF was held in 2002 and staged contemporary pieces tied to historical events, such as Yun’s symphonic poem Exemplum in memoriam Kwangju and Schoenberg’s A Survivor from Warsaw. In its early years, TIMF mainly focused on the music of Yun and other contemporary musicians. In the 2010s, however, the appointment of two artistic directors, including German conductor Alexander Liebreich, brought a wider scope to the festival, with more foreign artists invited to perform in Tongyeong. Liebreich was succeeded by Florian Riem, who had previously overseen the Bodenseefestival. From 2014 to 2021, Riem served as chief executive and artistic director of TIMF, and during his tenure its own Tongyeong Festival Orchestra began to tour beyond Korea, starting with Japan and Hong Kong. In 2022, its 20th anniversary year, TIMF appointed the world-renowned composer Unsuk Chin as artistic director to bring a fresh vibrance to the festival. TIMF now presents balanced programmes that encompass music from all periods, including music by composers from other Asian countries, including China and Japan. Listen to our exclusive playlist featuring highlights from the festival, as well as works by artists who have graced the stage at TIMF.

Unsuk Chin is one of South Korea’s foremost contemporary classical composers, whose ability to absorb and synthesise disparate materials and traditions has earned her the status as one of the most important and frequently heard composers of the 21st century. As a composer based in Europe, Chin has also been active in promoting classical music throughout in South Korea. Since 2006, Chin has served as composer-in-residence with the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra and has overseen the direction of the Ars Nova contemporary music series. She has deep ties to the Tongyeong International Music Festival, serving in 2005 as composer-in-residence and as artistic director since 2022 and has spearheaded a drive for greater diversity, both in terms of its musicians and the music that they perform. Chin represents the important link between South Korea and the global contemporary music community. Here, you can explore recordings of many of her finest works.