My Copenhagen

Two top Korean musicians on the perfect 24 hours in Copenhagen

Korean sisters Soo-Kyung Hong and Soo-Jin Hong are the principal cellist and concertmaster, respectively, of the Danish National Symphony Orchestra.

Soo Jin and Soo-Kyung Hong
Avi Gopani

In our My Copenhagen series, international creatives give us their impressions of the Danish capital. 

Korean sisters Soo-Kyung Hong and Soo-Jin Hong are an integral part of Denmark’s classical music scene. They are the principal cellist and concertmaster, respectively, of the Danish National Symphony Orchestra.

But the pair also play violin and cello in their own group in Copenhagen, Trio con Brio, together with the Danish pianist Jens Elvekjaer.

Trio con Brio is known for its contemporary approach to the classical repertoire, and the classical approach to contemporary music. 

From growing up in a musical family, to studying music in Vienna and eventually settling in Denmark, theirs has been an interesting journey.

What do you look to for inspiration in your work? 
We take inspiration from each other. The music we perform is often classical repertoire which was written hundreds of years ago. It is important for us to ‘recreate’ the works by composers such as Beethoven, Schubert, Brahms and Tchaikovsky. It is a part of our process to understand the compositions’ structure and ideas and to communicate their stories and emotions to the audience in a wholesome way.

We also look for inspirations on our many international tours by exploring new places, museums and nature. We use our experiences on and off the stage in our work. 

 
I settled in Denmark because…  
Soo-Kyung: After having lived abroad many years as a foreign student I loved the sensation of having a family around. My husband’s family really welcomed me here. I also had won a position as the principal cellist of The Royal Danish Orchestra in 2003 and decided to move entirely to Copenhagen.

Soo-Jin: Our trio was in demand after we won a number of international competitions in the beginning of our career, and we needed to have a mutual base. One of the many charms of Copenhagen is also that Copenhagen Airport is very well connected to many destinations abroad which is wonderful for a touring musician.

If you ask me if it was love at first sight, I would say…  
Soo-Kyung: Yes, it was. I like the openness and the clean air in Copenhagen. It is a very pleasant and human city! 

Soo-Jin: I really feel like home here. I love the way Danes celebrate Christmas and other festivities.  

My favorite observation about the Danes is…  
Soo-Kyung: Their tolerance and openness.

Soo-Jin: Trust and honesty 

In Denmark, I never get used to…  
Soo-Kyung: The long dark winters 

Soo-Jin: Danes’ ease at bicycling, which I really admire. 

Jeg kan tale…  
Soo-Kyung: Danish fluently. We both spoke German so it was easy and learnt in a year. 

Soo-Jin: I decided to speak Danish when I started at my first Danish workplace even though I was not fluent yet, and it helped me improve my Danish rapidly. Today I speak fluent Danish. 

My perfect 24 hours in Copenhagen would be… 
Soo-Kyung: Go to Glyptoteket, combine it with a brunch in Glyptoteket’s winter garden and catch a show or a concert at The Copenhagen Opera House, The Royal Danish Theatre or DR Koncerthuset. 

Soo-Jin: Go to the Rosenborg park, shop and stroll on the street in the city. Then go to the Louisiana museum north of Copenhagen. 
 

TOP STORIES

  • The international who shaped Copenhagen

    The international who shaped Copenhagen

    Anna Maria Indrio is one of the most important architects in Denmark, having contributed to shaping Copenhagen into what it is today. Among her best-known projects are the extension of SMK and Arken, as well as the Natural History Museum and the Darwin Centre in London. She moved here 60 years ago, when “Copenhagen was gray and dormant. Predictions suggested it would become depopulated. But putting people at the center changed everything,” she said

  • Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Fees were raised to reflect processing costs and curb repeat applications, creating debate over whether the new charges erect barriers to political participation for internationals.

  • Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    According to a report by the Danish Chamber of Commerce, internationals’ contribution is 12% of the country’s GDP. In 2023, it was 322 billion DKK, and in 2008, it was 136 billion DKK. “Internationals make a gigantic difference in our prosperity and welfare,” comments Morten Langager, the Director of Dansk Erhverv.

  • Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    With half of its staff being international, the BioInnovation Institute reflects Denmark’s broader transformation into a global innovation hub. But can the country—and Europe—keep up the pace? “If reforms are made now, we can close the gap in ten years,” explains BII’s CEO

  • Denmark launches massive investment in the navy

    Denmark launches massive investment in the navy

    Two months ago, the Danish PM announced that military equipment should be purchased in a hurry. The first plans for the sea are now ready. Additional plans for warships will follow this summer.

  • International designers struggle to find jobs in Denmark

    International designers struggle to find jobs in Denmark

    Many internationals come to Denmark to work as designers, but the field appears to be one of the hardest to break into. The Copenhagen Post spoke with two internationals struggling to find their way into the industry.

Connect club

Connect Club is your gateway to a vibrant programme of events and an international community in Denmark.

Sign up here

Career

Want to advertise your job with CPH Post?

Contact us

Jobs