In December 2024, at the BARD Chamberhouse Alfhole performance, the moment the first piano note sounded left a lasting impression on the audience, especially on a 64-year-old attendee who described the experience as feeling the music with his entire body, creating an exhilarating atmosphere. Similarly, resident pianist Cho Young-hoon, who performed there, noted the unique silence that enveloped the space despite the presence of about 70 attendees, highlighting the intense focus and connection created between the audience and the music.

The establishment of small concert venues like the BARD Café Chamber Hall in 2021 and the upcoming BARD Chamberhouse Alfhole in 2025 in the rural town of Yugu-eup, Gongju, has opened up new avenues for classical music appreciation in an otherwise overlooked area of South Korea. Conductor Cho Yeon-ho, who has pursued advanced studies in music in Hungary and the USA, returned to South Korea during the COVID-19 pandemic and was inspired by his experiences abroad. He was particularly moved by local children’s lack of exposure to orchestral instruments and felt it was essential to assist in bridging that gap, viewing his role as a conductor as extending beyond the stage.

In reflecting on his studies at Bard College, where a renowned music festival occurs each summer, Cho envisions a similar cultural enrichment for his community. The Bard Music Festival celebrates a designated composer each year through performances, lectures, and discussions, providing a comprehensive exploration of the cultural contexts surrounding the featured composer. By fostering such events in his hometown, Cho aims to cultivate not only musical talent but also a deeper appreciation for the arts and its broader cultural significance among local residents.