A crossover of music and cultures
Seoul Pops Orchestra to take classical pop to China
By Lee Hyo-won
There’s nothing as invisible yet gripping as music, even transcending the limits of the spoken word, to unite different cultures.
China’s National Centre for the Performing Arts awed the audience here with its Korean opera debut piece, “Turandot,” and beginning next week the Seoul Pops Orchestra will bring the flair of Korean classical music by touring four cities across the neighboring country.
The orchestra will kick off the tour with performances in Beijing on Feb. 23 followed by Tianjin on Feb. 24; Qingdao on Feb. 26 and last but not least Lianyungang on Feb. 28.
The tour comes in time for the 19th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic exchange between Korea and China, and is also part of Seoul Pops’ New Year’s campaign themed to share messages of hope and community values through music.
“Due to recent conflicts between North and South Korea, there is noticeable tension in the East Asian region. We hope the upcoming concert will uplift the mood through music and promote more artistic exchanges between Korea and China,” said Ha Sung-ho, the music director and conductor of Seoul Pops.
“We want to share messages of hope for the New Year with the Chinese people and Koreans living in China. We plan on making the process all the more accessible and enjoyable through crossover music that blends the classics with pop.”
As much as the Seoul Pops is known for its contemporary spin on staples of classical, pop and jazz pieces, the ensemble will offer the Chinese audience an array of recognizable works in its own unique crossover arrangements.
The program features Beethoven’s 5th Symphony and Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons” with a pop spin and grand orchestral renditions of popular Korean melodies such as “Beautiful Rivers and Mountains” and “My Love is Far Away.”
Also included is a Michael Jackson-meets-opera medley of household vocal pieces, ranging from Bizet’s “Toreador Song” to the King of Pop’s “Billy Jean.”
Ever since launching in 1988, Seoul Pops has given over 3,000 concerts — making its way into the Guinness Book of World Records at one point for a record number of orchestral performances.
But for the orchestra, it’s more than just about quantity.
“We consider ourselves a messenger for contemporary culture and art, and deliver music wherever people gather, from the most dignified art halls to the streets,” said Ha.
“We initially benchmarked the Boston Pops Orchestra, but now we’re proud to say we are the largest and most influential pops orchestra in Asia.”
In addition to various concerts here, both for passersby outdoors and for classical music enthusiasts at major halls, the orchestra traveled abroad numerous times. In 2004, it embarked on a 10-city tour across the United States and regularly visits Vietnam and other parts of South Asia.
The Seoul Pops Orchestra is slated to perform in The Korea Times’ upcoming Diplomatic Concert on March 22 at Seoul Arts Center, downtown Seoul.
For more information about the ensemble, visit www.seoulpops.com.