Art shines after sunset at Sejong Center in June
By Lee Hyo-won
Staff reporter
Everyone is invited to a relay of art performances lined up both outside and inside the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, downtown Seoul, for this month. The events will not only feature top artists but also be more than affordable for everyone.
Beginning Monday evening through June 27, live music will fill the breezy summer air beneath the star-lit sky. A special outdoor stage will be set up by the center, welcoming passersby to stop and enjoy various programs ranging from classics to musicals and jazz.
Fans can enjoy a mini night at the opera this week. Insiem Philharmonic Orchestra, which received the Art Award for the orchestra section of the 2nd Korea Opera Awards, will present music from staple repertoires: Verdi's ``La Traviata'' (Monday), Puccini's ``Tosca'' (Tuesday), Bizet's ``Carmen'' (Wednesday) Mascagni's ``Cavalleria Rusticana'' (Thursday) and Verdi's ``Rigoletto'' (Friday).
On Saturday, Drum Cat will offer a rhythmic percussion show. There are no shows on Sundays. During the third week of June, things will jazz up a bit. On June 14, the renowned Nam Kyung-yoon Quartet will perform works highlighting Nam's passionate piano tunes. He will be joined by saxophonist Kenji Omae, bassist Jeong Jung-hwa, drummer Shawn Pickler and vocalist Sunny Kim.
The following evening Lee Jung-sik, one of Korea's best known saxophonists, will play classic films scores with his band, including titles from ``The Umbrellas of Cherbourg.''
Beginning June 21, brass instruments will take center stage. Brass players from the Mostly Philharmonic Orchestra will offer thematic concerts: Animation Fantasy on June 21 featuring Disney animation theme songs; All That Musical on June 24 highlighting works from ``The Phantom of the Opera'' and more; and Cinema Paradiso on June 25 featuring scores from ``Titanic'' and ``Cinema Paradiso.'' The 10-member Knock Ensemble will wrap up the 18-day outdoor festival with an eclectic percussion performance on June 26.
In addition to the free outdoor performances, the Sejong Center will present its popular showcase for children, Happiness for 1,000 won. As the program title suggests, admission is just 1,000 won.
This year Kazenoko Kyushu, a globetrotting Japanese theater company specializing in children's plays, will give three shows: 2 p.m. on June 15 and 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. on June 16 at Sejong M Theater.
The troupe has attracted an audience of over 450,000 during the past 20 years around Japan, Korea, Canada, India and Hong Kong, among other countries.
Children must be aged four and above to watch the show. Those wishing to attend the 1,000-won performance should apply at www.sejongpac.or.kr by Monday. Winners of the draw will be announced Tuesday at 3 p.m. Remaining tickets, if any, will be available for sale online and at the box office. Call (02) 399-1114.
The Sejong Center is located near exits 1 and 8 of Gwanghwamun Station on subway line 5.