SM Entertainment’s classical and jazz label, SM Classics, has made history with its first-ever K-pop orchestra concert, celebrating SM’s 30th anniversary. The landmark event, SM CLASSICS LIVE 2025 with Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra, took place on February 14 at Seoul Arts Center’s Concert Hall and February 15 at Lotte Concert Hall, marking an unprecedented fusion of K-pop and classical music.
A Historic First: K-pop Meets Classical Excellence
This concert was a milestone in the music industry — the world’s first-ever full-scale K-pop orchestra concert. The Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra, one of Asia’s most prestigious orchestras, played orchestral renditions of SM Entertainment’s iconic songs, bringing a new dimension to the legendary discography of artists like BoA, TVXQ!, SUPER JUNIOR, GIRLS’ GENERATION, SHINee, EXO, Red Velvet, NCT, aespa, and RIIZE.
Adding to the impressive atmosphere, SHINee MINHO narrated the concert’s opening, introducing an orchestral performance of “Welcome to SMCU Palace.” This created a captivating entry into SM’s musical world.
K-pop Hits Meet Classical Masters
The event seamlessly blended K-pop hits with pieces from Vivaldi, Bach, Beethoven, Elgar, and Rachmaninoff, performed by an 83-member orchestra. This blending of genres created an emotional, unforgettable experience for the audience. Moreover, it bridges the gap between classical music lovers and K-pop fans.
On February 14, captivating visual effects enhanced the performance, taking the audience on a multi-sensory journey. On February 15, Red Velvet’s WENDY delivered a breathtaking collaboration with conductor Yuwon Kim and the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra. They stunningly performed “Like Water,” “When This Rain Stops,” and “Vermilion” — a moment that left a lasting impact.
A Grand Finale: Hope, Legacy, and the Future of SM Classics
The concert concluded with a special orchestral arrangement of “Hope,” infused with elements of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 (“Choral”), reinforcing SM’s legacy of uniting music across generations.
SM Classics CEO Jay JungJae Moon expressed excitement about this milestone, stating:
“We have long anticipated the opportunity to present SM Classics in a live orchestral setting. With this successful debut, we look forward to bringing SM Classics performances to audiences worldwide.”
SM Classics CEO Jay Jungjae Moon.
Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra CEO Jung Jae-wal added:
“It has been a privilege to showcase the results of our five-year collaboration with SM Entertainment. We are proud to deliver a concert that both classical and K-pop fans can enjoy.”
Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra CEO Jung Jae-wal.
Following this historic event, SM Classics plans to expand its concert and sheet music licensing business, further sharing its original orchestral works with global audiences.
The global rise of K-pop has amplified its cultural impact, setting the stage for SM CLASSICS LIVE 2025. Moreover, it marks a groundbreaking step in blending classical orchestration with modern pop music, solidifying SM Entertainment’s legacy as an industry innovator.
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