Korean National Symphony Orchestra opens recruitment for 2027 composer atelier
The Korean National Symphony Orchestra is recruiting four emerging composers for its 4th "2027 KNSO Composer Atelier" program, offering mentorship and a 10 million won commission fee. Participants will engage in a year-long development process from January to December 2027, with opportunities to become resident composers or participate in international programs.
The Korean National Symphony Orchestra is recruiting four emerging South Korean composers from October 19 to November 22 for its 2027 Atelier program. Selected participants will receive 10 million won each and may earn opportunities to become resident composers for 2028–2029 or participate in the ACO "EarShot" program in the United States.
The Korean National Symphony Orchestra (CEO Yu Mi-jeong, Music Director Roberto Abbado) is recruiting participants for the 4th "2027 KNSO Composer Atelier" from October 19 to November 22. The program aims to support the creative activities of emerging composers and facilitate their entry into domestic and international stages. A total of four individuals will be selected to participate in a process of developing works through interaction with domestic and international composer mentors from January to December 2027.
The "KNSO Composer Atelier" is a composer development program by the Korean National Symphony Orchestra that connects creative support to work presentations, resident composer activities, and international exchanges. Since its debut in 2021, the program has produced 14 emerging composers and has appointed outstanding composers as resident composers for the Korean National Symphony Orchestra, including Jeon Ye-eun (2022–2023), No Jae-bong (2024–2025), and Grace Ann Lee (2026–2027).
Applicants must be South Korean citizens aged 23 to 39 who have majored in composition at a university, hold at least a bachelor's degree, and are able to participate in the entire program schedule. Selected participants will receive a commission fee of 10 million won per person, along with educational programs such as mentoring and the production of promotional videos for the composers and their works. The completed works will be performed this October at Goyang Aram Nuri through "Orchestra Reading." Following the presentation, participants will have the opportunity to be selected as resident composers for the Korean National Symphony Orchestra for 2028–2029 and to participate in the ACO "EarShot" program in the United States in 2028, subject to evaluation. Results will be notified individually in December.
The mentor lineup includes former resident composers of the Korean National Symphony Orchestra, Tania León, who became the first Latin American woman to win the Pulitzer Prize (2021) in music, and Francesco Filidei, known for the joint commission "The Name of the Rose" (2025) by La Scala and Paris Opera. Composer Texu Kim (resident composer 2014–2017) and Jeon Ye-eun are expected to provide practical advice to participants based on their experience collaborating with the Korean National Symphony Orchestra.
Further details can be found in the recruitment announcement on the Korean National Symphony Orchestra website.
Covers K-pop for SPECIALTIMES GLOBAL, and also writes Culture and K-Variety stories.
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