Featuring performances of Korea National University of Arts and Heart to Heart Orchestra



Seoul, South Korea, October 2, 2012. The Special Olympics World Winter Games Organizing Committee PyeongChang 2013 will hold a celebration music concert commemorating 100 days to go until the 2013 Special Olympics World Winter Games PyeongChang. The celebration call “Together in Harmony” will be held at the Opera House, Seoul Arts Center on October 9th.


Concert will feature “Heart to Heart Orchestra” made up of youth with developmental disabilities and the Korea National University of Arts who will perform in front of an audience of 1700 people including people with intellectual disabilities, families, sponsors, and Special Olympics associates.


Heart to Heart Orchestra is the very first orchestra composed of young people with developmental disabilities in South Korea, and was founded by the Heart to Heart Foundation.


Since its establishment in 2006, it seeks excellence in music performing 140 concerts while fostering young people with developmental disabilities to overcome their barriers, develop their social skills and create an inclusive society where people with and without disabilities enjoy human rights and achieve their full potential.


Heart to Heart Orchestra was acknowledged by its achievement in culture & arts area for isolated population receiving 2011 Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Award, and has been introduced to the public through “Miracle Orchestra performing to the World” of KBS Special Documentary, “Oodangtangtang Orchestra” of MBC Special.


Heart to Heart Orchestra has performed successfully at the Pre-Games of the Special Olympics World Winter Games PyeongChang 2013..


“Together in Harmony” concert also includes Chopin Etudes Op.10 No.12 in C-minor “Revolutionary” to be performed by Kim Ji Hyun (Poong-Am High School student). Kim began playing piano when he was seven years old and known as a perfectionist who concentrates on practicing piano all the time. Kim who has a language disability and tic disorder, is an accomplished piano player.


Recently, Kim demonstrated his remarkable talent for music in various instruments including drum, electric guitar, bass guitar, acoustic guitar and composition. “Ji Hyun has developed his social skill and confidence through music” Parents of Kim said.


Additionally, prestigious Korea National University of Arts’ students and graduates will be performing at the concert. Lee Kang Seok, former Chancellor of the School will be conducting overall of the concert, while graduates Clara Jumi Kang and Son Yeol Eum each performs violin and piano.


“The Games Organizing Committee prepared this meaningful concert to wish for the success of the 2013 Special Olympics for people with intellectual disabilities and the sponsors of the Games. 100 days are left until the Games, and we will do our best to hold the best Special Olympics World Games with cultural depth and emotional resonance” Na Kyung Won, Chair of the Game Organizing Committee said.


The Special Olympics World Winter Games PyeongChang 2013, an international sports event where people with intellectual disabilities from all around the world participate, will take place from January 29th 2013 until February 5th, at PyeongChang, and Gangneung in Gangwon Province.