SK hynix’s youth classical music group, the hy-classic Chamber Ensemble1 (hy-classic), held its New Year’s concert at SUPEX Hall on the company’s Icheon campus on January 23.
1Chamber ensemble: A classical music group specializing in chamber music typically featuring up to 10 members. These small ensembles are popular due to their numerous performance opportunities and strong potential for professional growth in the performing arts.
The event, attended by more than 450 employees including Vice President Sangrok Jung, head of Corporate Relations, and Heart to Heart Foundation Chairman Jichul Oh, featured a captivating classical music performance by six hy-classic scholarship recipients and their professional mentors. Violinists Jooa Kim and Minju Seo, violist Eunseo Cho, cellists Ian Jang and Yeram Kim, and pianist Sumin Ha all took to the stage alongside their mentors: violinist Soojin Han, cellist Joonho Shim, and pianist Dohyun Kim.
Giving Hopes & Dreams to Young Classical Musicians
The concert was held to not only highlight the results of the hy-classic’s extensive hard work and preparation, but also to show appreciation for SK hynix employees.
The hy-classic, SK hynix’s social contribution program dedicated to fostering classical music talent, is funded by the Happiness Sharing Fund, a voluntary initiative supported by employees. Since 2011, the fund has operated a grant system in which SK hynix matches employee donations. The fund supports a range of causes including aid for underprivileged communities, environmental conservation, and educational scholarships.
Beyond scholarships and educational support, the program also provides professional mentoring from a distinguished team of world-class musicians including Han, Shim, and Kim.
Violinist Soojin Han (left), a hy-classic mentor, performing with scholarship students
At the concert, violinist Han, the head of the mentor group, expressed her hopes for the event. “Music is not only a means of personal growth but also a force that creates a better world,” she said. “I hope this concert encourages the scholars to overcome any challenges and pursue their dreams.”
Vice President Sangrok Jung praised the hy-classic students for their efforts during his opening remarks
In his opening remarks, Vice President Jung stated: “The concert was made possible by the efforts and passion of the hy-classic scholarship students, as well as the warm support of our employees. I hope that through this event, many people can share in the joy of music and the value of hope created by the Happiness Sharing Fund.”
Heart to Heart Foundation Chairman Jichul Oh expressed gratitude to employees for supporting the program
Heart to Heart Foundation Chairman Oh said: “The hy-classic is a special program that provides opportunities for promising classical music performers to pursue their dreams. I would like to once again express my gratitude to SK hynix and its employees for their support in fostering young talents in the cultural and artistic fields.”
A Vibrant Fusion of Technology & Art on Stage
The concert featured a dynamic blend of classical chamber music masterpieces alongside AI-composed works, showcasing a fusion of technology and art.
hy-classic scholars performing on stage
In the opening performance, the scholarship students showcased their refined skills with pieces by Beethoven and Smetana.
The students performing their AI-composed piece, Winter Story
The ensemble followed that performance with one of the highlights of the concert—the premiere of an AI-composed piece titled Winter Story. This piece was created by the scholarship students, who developed the melody using AI composition software and completed it through an arrangement with their mentors. This use of AI technology highlights the hy-classic’s innovative approach to education which helps to foster students’ creativity.
Violist Eunseo Cho, a scholarship student who participated in the program, said: “Using the AI program opened up new possibilities for composing music, and I was particularly impressed by how technology can be merged with music to boost our creativity.
“While collaborating with friends to complete the piece, I learned the joy of creating music together. This experience has encouraged me to become a chamber musician and move audiences through my performances.”
The mentors performing on stage (from left: violinist Soojin Han, pianist Dohyun Kim, and cellist Junho Shim)
The mentors, Han, Shim, and Kim, also took to the stage, captivating the audience with their rendition of a piece by Mendelssohn.
The mentors joined the scholars for a special performance
For the concert’s finale, the mentors and students came together for a joint performance. Facing each other on stage, they performed pieces by Tchaikovsky and the soundtrack from The Mission in a performance which deeply moved the audience.
Employees enjoying the concert
Chanwoo Jeong, team leader of HBM PKG PTE, who attended the concert, said: “I have donated to the Happiness Sharing Fund since the Happiness Sharing Orchestra With Dreams project, which was the predecessor to the hy-classic program. It all brings me back to my school days when I had dreams of becoming a musician.
“I hope that through the hy-classic program, these talented students will become wonderful musicians who can give people hope and bring about a positive change to society.”
Another audience member, Technical Leader Hyojin Seo of Quality Intelligence, said: “I remember how I was able to overcome financial difficulties with the help of my seniors while participating in a music club during my school days. Now that I can provide such help to others, I find greater meaning in donating to the Happiness Sharing Fund.”
Technical Leader Jooyoung Kim of CIS Product Validation, who also attended the concert, said: “The goals of the Happiness Sharing Fund have always resonated with me. The program provides hope and opportunities to many people, and I have regularly donated to the cause. By attending the concert, I could witness first-hand that the fund is being well utilized and truly feel the significance of the program.
“It is touching to see how small contributions combine to nurture young people’s talents and dreams, bringing about such a wonderful outcome. I believe that the greatest strength of the fund lies in the fact that these heartfelt contributions help shape people’s future.”
The concert showcased the fruitful results of SK hynix’s efforts to nurture young classical musicians. The company will continue to pursue various social contribution activities to foster young talents in the cultural and artistic fields, as well as promoting social value and striving for the mutual growth of its employees and the local community.
