Table of Contents
- On September 22, the entire Busan becomes a stage for Classic Soul
- Festival Overview and Key Points
- Opening and Main Lineup
- Synergy of Classical-Specific Concert Halls
- Expansion of Competition, Collaboration, and Urban Programs
- Viewing Points and Ticketing Tips
- Conclusion, Wrap-Up, Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
On September 22, the entire Busan becomes a stage for Classic Soul

The classical music festival that beautifully adorns Busan's autumn has returned. The 16th Busan Maru International Music Festival (BMIMF) will commence on Tuesday, September 2 at 7:30 PM at the Busan Cultural Center's Main Hall, with diverse programs running until Tuesday, September 23 under the theme 'Soul in Classics.'
This year, we will effectively connect major concert halls such as the Busan Cultural Center, Busan Concert Hall, Nakdong Art Center, Geumjeong Cultural Center, and Dongnaege Cultural Center, providing an opportunity to enjoy Busan's performing arts. This plan promises a colorful feast of classical music that is worthy of being a must-see performance in Busan.
Festival Overview and Key Points

This year's music festival in Busan marks the 16th since its inaugural opening in 2010. It has established itself as a representative classical music event of Busan.
Starting with the opening performance at the Busan Cultural Center's Main Hall, there will be various stage formats including main performances, ensembles, promenades, and outreach concerts, making it easy for citizens and tourists to enjoy classical music.
In particular, with the addition of new classical-specific concert halls such as the Busan Concert Hall and Nakdong Art Center, significant improvements in sound quality and stage perfection are anticipated.
Opening and Main Lineup

The opening stage will commence under the baton of Gustavo Ribeiro Weber, conductor of the BMIMF Festival Orchestra.
World-renowned pianist Alexander Yakoblev will collaborate to brilliantly adorn the festival's first moments. Following this, a performance conducted by Hong Seokwon, the principal guest conductor of the Busan Metropolitan Orchestra, is scheduled.
Excellent performers such as Davide Alogna (violin), Ben Kim (piano), Lucas Lipari-Mayer (trumpet), and Luisa Cello (flute) will showcase the quintessence of the classical music festival.
This festival is expected to offer the audience a unique musical experience.

The schedule that circulates through Busan's various cultural spaces allows citizens to feel 'Classic Soul' even closer. Numerous programs will take place at the Busan Cultural Center, Busan Concert Hall, Nakdong Art Center, Geumjeong Cultural Center, and Dongnaege Cultural Center. These experiences will provide the local residents with rich cultural experiences.
Synergy of Classical-Specific Concert Halls

Nakdong Art Center is currently a classical-specific concert hall undergoing trial operation and is drawing significant attention ahead of its official opening. Concerts conducted by the internationally recognized conductor Jongji-e and the orchestra are planned to take place here.

At the Busan Concert Hall, performances conducted by Hong Seokwon will take place. This venue provides deeper sound through optimal acoustics and stage systems. It is an opportunity to experience an important moment as Busan grows into a performing arts city.
Expansion of Competition, Collaboration, and Urban Programs

The diversity of the festival is further expanding. In the 'Concerto Competition Gala Concert,' finalists who passed the preliminary rounds in July will collaborate with an orchestra to vividly deliver their stories of challenge and growth as young musicians.
Additionally, friendly concerts between Korea, China, and Japan, outreach concerts with the healing musicians Hoo & Chinchin Tango, and citizen-friendly programs such as 'Classical Story' that combine science and music are richly prepared.
Moreover, through the fringe concerts presented not only in urban concert halls but also in small local venues, the festival is realizing a city-wide festival model that spreads throughout Busan. Such programs provide cultural experiences to citizens and further promote participation in the festival.
Viewing Points and Ticketing Tips

The viewing points for this music festival are set to "optimize movement." By focusing on major lines connecting the Busan Cultural Center, Busan Concert Hall, and Nakdong Art Center, linking promenade and ensemble performances held at Geumjeong Cultural Center and Dongnaege Cultural Center can effectively manage ticket purchases and travel times. Such a structured schedule can enhance viewer satisfaction.
If you plan to enjoy performances along with your Busan trip, you can also enjoy museums and exhibitions near Haeundae, Yeongdo, and Eulsukdo. This course allows you to experience culture and tourism simultaneously. The specific schedule and programs of the festival can be verified on the official website (bmimf.co.kr), so please refer to it.
Conclusion, Wrap-Up, Summary

The 16th Busan Maru International Music Festival will be held from September 2 to 23. There will be diverse performances from September 2 to 23 at the Busan Cultural Center, Busan Concert Hall, Nakdong Art Center, Geumjeong Cultural Center, and Dongnaege Cultural Center under the theme 'Classic Soul.'
This festival includes famous performers from home and abroad, such as Gustavo Ribeiro Weber, Jin Jongji, and Hong Seokwon, offering Busan citizens and tourists a special classical music experience. The entire city will become a stage, providing an opportunity to fully appreciate the charm of classical music.
For classical music lovers, this Busan Maru International Music Festival is considered a must-see performance.
#BusanMaruInternationalMusicFestival, #BMIMF, #RecommendedPerformancesInBusan, #ClassicalMusicFestival, #BusanCulturalCenter, #BusanConcertHall, #NakdongArtCenter, #GeumjeongCulturalCenter, #DongnaegeCulturalCenter, #BusanPerformances, #BusanTravel, #MustVisitInBusan, #ClassicSoul, #FestivalOrchestra, #GustavoRibeiroWeber, #JinJongji, #HongSeokwon, #AlexanderYakoblev, #DavideAlogna, #BenKim, #BusanFringeConcert, #OutreachConcert, #ConcertoGala, #BusanPerformanceSchedule, #BusanConcert, #RecommendedAutumnPerformances, #BusanCulturalLife, #BusanClassic, #MusicFestival, #BusanCulturalCity
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. When will the Busan Maru International Music Festival 2023 be held?
The Busan Maru International Music Festival 2023 will be held from September 2 to 23 for 22 days.
The 16th Busan Maru International Music Festival will open on Tuesday, September 2 at 7:30 PM at the Busan Cultural Center's Main Hall, showcasing a diversity of rich classical music performances across Busan until September 23. During this period, citizens and tourists will experience the deep charm of classical music across several venues.
Q. What are the main concert halls for the Busan Maru International Music Festival 2023?
Performances will be held at the Busan Cultural Center, Busan Concert Hall, Nakdong Art Center, Geumjeong Cultural Center, and Dongnaege Cultural Center.
This music festival effectively connects major concert venues in Busan to provide a variety of classical music performances. Starting with the Busan Cultural Center's Main Hall, it will feature ensembles, promenades, and outreach concerts at venues like the Busan Concert Hall, the trial-operating Nakdong Art Center, Geumjeong Cultural Center, and Dongnaege Cultural Center, offering audiences the best performance experience. Each venue is equipped with excellent sound and stage systems, presenting highly complete stages.
Q. Which artists will be participating in the opening performance and main lineup?
Gustavo Ribeiro Weber conducting, Alexander Yakoblev collaborating, and other famous domestic and international performers will participate.
The opening stage will be conducted by Gustavo Ribeiro Weber of the BMIMF Festival Orchestra, with world-renowned pianist Alexander Yakoblev collaborating. Additionally, the principal guest conductor of the Busan Metropolitan Orchestra, Hong Seokwon, along with Davide Alogna (violin), Ben Kim (piano), Lucas Lipari-Mayer (trumpet), and Luisa Cello (flute) will perform, showcasing the essence of classical music and offering the audience a special musical experience.
Q. What special programs will be featured in the Busan Maru International Music Festival?
Various citizen-friendly programs, including the Concerto Competition, outreach concerts, and fringe concerts will be conducted.
This festival goes beyond simple performances to include the Concerto Competition Gala Concert where young musicians' challenges are shared, a friendly concert among Korea, China, and Japan, outreach concerts with the healing musicians Hoo & Chinchin Tango, and classical stories that merge science and music, enriching the experience. Additionally, fringe concerts will be held throughout urban and small venues, implementing a city-wide festival model that encourages cultural participation and spreading the festival across the city.
Q. What should I be aware of when attending the Busan Maru International Music Festival and any ticketing tips?
Consider optimizing your movement by purchasing tickets near the main concert halls and refer to the official website.
The key viewing point is to connect the performance schedules at the Busan Cultural Center, Busan Concert Hall, and Nakdong Art Center to effectively manage transportation and time. Including promenade and ensemble performances at Geumjeong Cultural Center and Dongnaege Cultural Center will further enhance the audience's satisfaction. Planning cultural experiences alongside travel allows enjoyment of Busan's tourist attractions and museums. It’s most accurate to check specific schedules and ticketing information on the official website bmimf.co.kr.