Korean, US Chorales to Resound in Seoul
By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter
In celebration of its 30th anniversary, the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts has invited the Seoul Metropolitan Chorus and the Chicago Children's Choir to give concerts on Friday and Saturday, respectively.
The Seoul Metropolitan Chorus, one of the Sejong Center's residential art groups, fetes 30 years of music-making with a classical program. The highlight is Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 with the Seoul-based Prime Philharmonic Orchestra. The last complete symphony composed in 1824 by the German master, ``Chorale'' is one of the best-known works of the Western repertoire. It is often considered an icon and forefather of Romantic music. The fourth movement incorporates parts of Friedrich Schiller's ``Ode to Joy,'' which Herbert von Karajan rearranged into what became the official anthem of the European Union.
Also included in the program are a medley of pieces for choruses in operas including ``Lucia di Lammermoor'' and popular tunes such as Robert Schumann's ``Die Rose, die Lilie, die Tauble, die Sonne.''
Tickets cost from 10,000 won to 50,000 won.
Children Sing Peace Message
The Chicago Children's Choir, one of America's top vocal ensembles, will visit Korea for the first time. From over 3,000 young chorists based in Chicago schools, 55 children were chosen for the tour. The group will perform at the Sejong Center Saturday as part of their cross-country tour through July 6.
At their Friday concert in Seoul, the choir will be joined by the Seoul Metropolitan Junior Chorus. The two groups of children will deliver messages of peace and reunification of the two Koreas. The American singers learned Korean folk melodies ``Arirang'' and ``We Dream of Reunification'' for shows here. The choir also planned a tour in North Korea to complete their peace campaign, but did not receive permission.
The group is led by Josephine Lee, Chorus America's first ever Robert Shaw Conducting Fellow (2002). A classically trained pianist and violinist, conductor, composer and producer, she is the youngest artistic director in the history of the Chicago Children's Choir. Under her direction, the choir was introduced to opera and theater, and went on successful national and international tours.
For the Seoul show, chorists will sing a wide-ranging repertoire including Bach's Six Motets, various folk songs from Korea and South Africa, and strong rhythm and blues pieces.
Tickets cost from 20,000 won to 50,000 won. For either concert, call (02) 399-1778. The Sejong Center is located near exits 1 and 8 of Gwanghwamun station on subway line 5.