Photo: courtesy of SM Entertainment.
SM Classics—SM Entertainment’s label for jazz and classical music—is hosting “SM Classics Live 2025 with the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra” this February. This inaugural event is a creative blend of classical music and the popular K-pop hits that helped define SM Entertainment’s legacy over the past three decades. It effectively forms part of the company’s 30th-anniversary celebrations and comprises two special musical nights at Seoul Arts Center’s Concert Hall (Feb. 14) and Lotte Concert Hall (Feb. 15).
Reimagining famous K-pop hits in orchestral and classical arrangements, SM Classics established itself in July 2020, aiming to add novelty to the compositions whose infectious melodies and pulsating energy have made SM Entertainment’s discography a worldwide sensation. The release of an orchestra rendition of Red Velvet’s “Red Flavor” heralded the band’s partnership with the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra and the beginnings of this groundbreaking music initiative where classical music meets K-pop.
Adding to the concert’s details, the official press statement states that SM Classics has unveiled thus far an impressive repertoire of 14 orchestral arrangements, including timeless hits such as Girls’ Generation’s “Into the New World” and Red Velvet’s “Feel My Rhythm,” emphasizing the label’s creative prowess in breathing new life into beloved tracks via orchestral performances. In an epic symphonic setting, the upcoming “SM Classics Live 2025” is a significant step in commemorating SM Entertainment’s rich heritage and renowned tracks.
Shinee’s Minho will serve as narrator, introducing the audience to the occasion that unfolds over the two musical nights, thus setting its mood and further escalating its thrill. On the following and final night of the event, Feb. 15, Red Velvet’s Wendy will make a special appearance collaborating with acclaimed conductor Yuwon Kim and the adept musicians of the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra. A display of attractive media art will be on show on the opening night of the event on Feb. 14 to enhance the experience—a mix of state-of-the-art visual elements with the symphonic performance to engage those in attendance.
In a nutshell, through “SM Classics Live 2025,” SM Classics hopes to “bring its original creations to audiences worldwide, further showcasing the versatility and depth of its musical innovations.”
Here’s the complete Setlist for the event:
Setlist for the February 14 concert at Seoul Arts Center’s Concert Hall:
SM Classics “Welcome to SMCU Palace”
Red Velvet “Red Flavor”
NCT U “Make A Wish (Birthday Song)”
BoA “Tree”
EXO “Growl”
Aespa “Black Mamba”
Shinee’s Jonghyun “End of a day”
Shinee “Sherlock (Clue + Note)”
Red Velvet “Feel My Rhythm”
NCT Dream “Hello Future”
TVXQ! “Rising Sun”
Super Junior “Marry U”
Red Velvet “Psycho”
Red Velvet’s Wendy “When This Rain Stops”
NCT “Golden Age”
Riize “Boom Boom Bass”
Girls’ Generation “Into the New World”
Setlist for the February 15 concert at Lotte Concert Hall:
SM Classics “Welcome to SMCU PALACE”
Red Velvet “Red Flavor”
NCT U “Make A Wish (Birthday Song)”
BoA “Tree”
EXO “Growl”
Aespa “Black Mamba”
NCT Dream “Hello Future”
TVXQ! “Rising Sun”
Red Velvet “Feel My Rhythm”
Red Velvet’s Wendy “Like Water, When This Rain Stops” (Performed with Wendy)
Red Velvet “Psycho”
Shinee’s Jonghyun “End of a Day”
Shinee “Sherlock (Clue + Note)”
NCT “Golden Age”
Riize “Boom Boom Bass”
Girls’ Generation “Into the New World”
Source:https://rollingstoneindia.com/sm-classics-unveils-impressive-setlist-for-inaugural-orchestra-concert/