T. S. Eliot drew deep inspiration from Beethoven’s late string quartets, channeling that influence into one of his greatest literary works, Four Quartets. Sharing themes such as the passage of time and the nature of eternity, these two masters offer profound reflections through the distinct forms of poetry and music.

On Friday, September 5 at 7:00 PM, Sojeonseolim and Sejong Soloists will co-present a unique program combining a live reading of Eliot’s Four Quartets with a performance of Beethoven’s String Quartet Op. 132, presented together on the same stage.

Ahead of the performance, a pre-concert lecture will be held at Sojeonseolim on Friday, August 29 at 7:30 PM. Professors Joon-Soo Bong and Hyun Kyung Chae will delve into Eliot’s verse and Beethoven’s composition, offering insights into the thematic connections that link their work.

Program

Joon-soo Bong - 『Four Quartets』: T. S. Eliot’s Time and Space

Hyun Kyung Chae -  Op. 132: Opening the ‘Beethovenzeit’ with a personal musical narrative of suffering, reconciliation, gratitude, and hope.

Artists

Joon-soo Bong, professor of English Language and Literature, Seoul National University

Hyun Kyung Chae, professor Emerita of Music, Ewha Womans University