In December of last year, alumnus Park Sung-ho was appointed the inaugural conductor of the Gyeonggi Province Orchestra for Musicians with Disabilities, the "Gyeonggi Libera Orchestra." Determined to elevate the orchestra to the highest level so that no one can underestimate their music, he is committed to ensuring its excellence. This is why the orchestra’s future performances are highly anticipated.

Text by Park Young-im / Photos by Lee Hyun-gu

■Un토토사이트 설탕ed for a dream

On April 10, 2025, members of the Gyeonggi Libera 토토사이트 설탕 are deeply immersed in rehearsals for their inaugural concert. Rehearsals are held every Wednesday and Friday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., with some members arriving two hours early to practice alone. Their passion for music is evident, and each member brings a unique background. The Gyeonggi Libera 토토사이트 설탕 consists of 40 musicians with disabilities over the age of 19, registered in Gyeonggi Province. It is the first 토토사이트 설탕 of its kind established by a local government in South Korea to foster artistic talent and promote the social value of art. The 토토사이트 설탕 was founded on December 3 of last year, in celebration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

“Libera is Latin for ‘freedom.’ The name was chosen through a public contest in Gyeonggi Province. True to its meaning, our goal is to break down all barriers and inspire through music. We hope that musicians with disabilities can use music to connect with the world and discover their full potential.”

As the first conductor of the Gyeonggi Libera 토토사이트 설탕, Park Sung-ho shared his thoughts on leading the ensemble. To nurture a truly exceptional 토토사이트 설탕, the group carefully selected its members through two rounds of auditions last year. The selected musicians will receive professional training for two years, performing alongside the Gyeonggi Arts Troupe and various 토토사이트 설탕s to gain stage experience and grow as artists.

However, assuming that the 토토사이트 설탕's skills are lacking simply because it is newly established or because it is composed of musicians with disabilities would be a mistake. The ensemble includes accomplished musicians, such as a performer who has played at Carnegie Hall and another who participated in the opening ceremony of the PyeongChang Winter Paralympics. Even Park himself was astonished during their first orientation rehearsal.

■Creating harmony w토토사이트 설탕h care and precision

“All of our members have a deep love for music and performing, and their skills are remarkable. I do not conduct them any differently because they have disabilities. If we settle for ‘good enough’ just because this is an orchestra for musicians with disabilities, it would merely be a school recital. After all, they play the same instruments as any other orchestra. They just have to practice several times harder.”

Conducting an orchestra for musicians with disabilities is different from leading a conventional orchestra. The conductor must not only focus on musical quality but also carefully consider each musician’s unique abilities and characteristics. Park Sung-ho understands this better than anyone, having previously served as the conductor of South Korea’s first orchestra for musicians with developmental disabilities for seven years. Before his first meeting with the Gyeonggi Libera Orchestra, he revisited an old notebook from 11 years ago, where he had meticulously recorded observations about each musician.

“When I first conducted an orchestra for musicians with developmental disabilities, I knew very little about their needs. So, I took notes on each member’s tendencies and behaviors. Sometimes, I had to be a strict mentor, and other times, I had to be as gentle as a kindergarten teacher. The biggest challenge is maintaining musical excellence while respecting each musician’s individuality.”

Some musicians with developmental disabilities may suddenly exhibit unexpected behaviors during practice, and a harsh reprimand could startle others, causing anxiety. The Gyeonggi Libera 토토사이트 설탕 includes not only musicians with developmental disabilities but also one musician with hearing impairment and two with visual impairments. Park takes special care in communication, speaking clearly and with exaggerated mouth movements for the hearing-impaired musician. For the visually impaired members, who memorize their scores, he records the music in advance for them to study. Despite these challenges, Park has once again taken on the role of conductor for an 토토사이트 설탕 of musicians with disabilities.

■Moving audiences by breaking barriers

“There is no greater joy than the sense of exhilaration after a successful performance. And with musicians with disabilities, that feeling is even more profound. When that emotion reaches the audience and is met with resounding applause, it is overwhelming. An orchestra for musicians with disabilities is extraordinary simply because it exists. If tying shoelaces can take years of practice, imagine what it means to master an instrument, synchronize with others, and create harmony. That is true art.”

Beyond conducting the Gyeonggi Libera Orchestra, Park Sung-ho has been a trombonist with the Gangnam Symphony Orchestra for 23 years. He is also an adjunct professor at Sungshin Women’s University. Reflecting on his student days at the Department of Orchestral Instruments at Hanyang University, he attributes his foundation as a performer and educator to the experiences and lessons he gained there.

“Everything I do today is deeply rooted in the knowledge and experiences I acquired at Hanyang. Thanks to that foundation, I have been able to continue my career in music. We can never predict the future, but if you diligently give your best effort in the present, opportunities will come. I never truly understood this before, but now, I am beginning to grasp its meaning. One day, future students of Hanyang will pass down these words to their juniors as well. If you persevere, your time will come. The key is to live each moment without regret.”

Just as the Gyeonggi Libera Orchestra is beginning to find its harmony, Park Sung-ho is pouring his passion into creating a performance that will leave a lasting impact. The orchestra’s mission to unlock the musical potential of musicians with disabilities is a remarkable endeavor, unparalleled on a global scale. For this reason, Park is committed to ensuring that the orchestra gains recognition as one of the finest in the country, regardless of disability.

“Many assume I was driven by a special calling or mission, but I am neither special nor extraordinary. I simply take joy in seeing our musicians grow, feel a sense of pride on stage, and make music together. Witnessing their musical journey is rewarding enough, and I am honored to be a part of it.”

This spring, why not immerse yourself in the moving melodies conducted by Park Sung-ho and performed by the Gyeonggi Libera 토토사이트 설탕? Amidst the harmonized sounds of instruments, you may just find harmony within your own heart.