EXO gets big nominations K-pop boy band EXOBy Kim Ji-sooSuper rookie K-pop boy band EXO continues to raise eyebrows, in a good way.The 12-member boy band was nominated for song of the year, new artist of the year, and top song for dance and electronic music with “Growl” at the Korean Music Awards. The group made its mark in the music industry where its first full-length album “XOXO” (Kiss&Hug) became a first million-seller for the first time in 12 years.The group’s fellow label-mate f(x) was also nominated for top song and album for dance and electronic music. Crayon Pop, the so-called “nerdy” K-pop girl group wasnominated for song of the year in the same category with “Bar Bar Bar.”The Korean Music Awards, which is in its 11th year, puts Korean contemporary musicians of all genres together to select outstanding artists. This year’s nominees were selected based on albums released from Dec. 1, 2012 through Nov. 30, 2013.Korea’s legendary pop singer Cho Yong-pil was nominated in four categories for his 19th studio album “Hello.” Feb 5, 2014
Metropolitan Opera coming to Megabox theaters A scene from Tchaikovsky’s “Eugene Onegin” is the backdrop of the poster for Megabox’s screening of the Meteropolitan Opera’s 2014 season.By Do Je-haeThe biggest news at the Metropolitan Opera in recent months is the comeback of its longtime music director James Levine, who has been sidelined for two years taking care of some serious health issues. Levine’s presence is expected to rejuvenate the theater, which is planning a year filled with rare productions, including Borodin's "Prince Igor" and Massenet's "Werther." Such works are hardly ever presented by local companies that focus mainly on Italian repertoire. Megabox will screen the Met's major productions in selected theaters this year. The screening is part of the “The Met: Live in HD,” a project that has been transmitting live performances to 1,700 venues in 54 countries with subtitles in English, French, German, Portuguese, Spanish, Japanese and Korean. The screenings include live performances as well as interviews and commentaries by leading artists.The highly successJan 26, 2014By Do Je-hae
Abbado eased Berlin Philharmonic's transition in post-Karajan era Claudio Abbado, who died Monday at the age of 80, was one of the most respected conductors of his generation. / Courtesy of Universal MusicBy Do Je-haeWas there ever a conductor as unanimously admired as Claudio Abbado?On and off the stage, he was a man of humble disposition and warm personality. These venerable qualities, not always associated with conductors of such immense fame, are all the more reason he was so loved by the classical music community and music aficionados alike.In an article in the Berliner Morgenpost following the announcement of Abbado’s death, Monday, the Berlin Philharmonic’s solo oboist Albrecht Mayer recalled some of his early memories of the Italian conductor. In 1989, Abbado arrived at the Philharmonie, the orchestra’s home, to take over after the near 35-year reign of the iconic Herbert von Karajan. Abbado is credited with guiding musicians through the leadership transition with whole-hearted communication in the post-Karajan era at the top German orchestra.“He did not want me to call him maestro,” MaJan 21, 2014By Do Je-hae
A cultural critical mass Those close to folk-rock singer Kim Kwang-seok, who committed suicide in January 1996, said he was troubled by his albums’ lack of commercial success. His albums, including remastered works, have sold more than 5 million copies since. / Korea Times fileThe rise of Kim Kwang-seok's posthumous career By Kwon Mee-yooEighteen years after his death, folk-rock singer Kim Kwang-seok continues to enjoy a highly-lucrative posthumous career.Kim Chang-ki, a close friend of the late singer who wrote many of his influential songs, sounds rather frustrated by it.“I remember seeing Kwang-seok in December 1995, a few weeks before his death. His album wasn’t doing well and he was personally in distress,” he said in a recent television interview.“If people were going to like him as much as they do now, why couldn’t have they liked him a little earlier? After leaving the man entirely burned out and consumed ... all this talk about the greatness of his songs... I find this amusing.”While it’s debatable whether Kim Chang-ki, leader and vocalist ofJan 19, 2014By Kwon Mee-yoo
Seoul Philharmonic announces plans for new year Conductor Chung Myung-whun speaks during a press conference in Seoul, Thursday. / AP-YonhapBy Do Je-haeSeoul Philharmonic music director Chung Myung-whun said the orchestra will continue overseas tours this year.The orchestra will give performances at the Edinburgh Festival and other festivals in Finland, Austria and Italy this summer. “We have managed to organize international tours year after year,” Chung said. Under Chung Myung-whun's leadership, the orchestra has achieved significant growth musically and commercially. It is the first Asian orchestra to sign a recording contract with the prestigious German classical label Deutsche Grammophon (DG) in 2011. The contract enables the SPO to record two albums every year until 2015. "I was worried about the recordings at first. But we're getting better. The Mahler 9th we recorded last year is something not many orchestras do these days. Our musicians prepared really well and the result is very good. I think it is the best recording we have done yet," Chung said. The SPO and Chung have worked together since 2006. Many crJan 17, 2014By Do Je-hae
Dorky is the new sexy in K-pop The five girls of Crayon Pop are identified by their bicycle helmets, polo shirts and dorky music. / Korea Times fileBy Baek Byung-yeul Female acts in K-pop have become known for their skimpy stage wear, raccoon makeup and aggressive thrusts. Then there is Crayon Pop, a hot new girl group that successfully betted on being dorky in the sea of sexy.The five girls ― identified by their bicycle helmets, polo shirts and sweatpants beneath their miniskirts ― seem to be everywhere these days, from television music shows to Saturday Night Live Korea.They are a riot in social media. The video for their song, "Bar Bar Bar," has reached 1.3 million views on YouTube and their robotic, "five-engine’’ dance has touched off a craze unseen since Psy rode the invisible horse.Crowds at full-capacity baseball stadiums, including the one at LG Twins’ home game in Jamsil Stadium last week, have sang and danced to Bar Bar Bar, ranked highly on every download chart.It’s safe to say that the popularity of Crayon Pop has been the most unexpected event of an otherwiAug 4, 2013
Too many rock festivals spoil the party By Baek Byung-yeulFans cheer during a performance by Korean rock band Wiretap In My Ear at the 2013 Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival, Friday. / YonhapKim In-kwon, an Incheon-based office worker and rock music enthusiast, is delighted that he’s seeing world-famous bands like Weezer for free. For the companies that put in a Herculean effort in recent years to organize these live music events, customers like him represent a failing business model.Korea has seen a number of rock festivals in recent years, quenching the public’s thirst for rock and other genres that had been sidelined by the teeny-bopper boom otherwise known as K-pop.However, the market has come to a point where the public questions whether there are too many of these events, whether the lineups are stretched too thin and whether there are large enough crowds to go around for everyone.Entertainment companies and municipalities are desperate to sell out the shows. That’s how people like Kim score free tickets from the Internet."As a low-budget music lover, I am having a blast," said the 31-year-old, who weAug 4, 2013
The next Chung Myung-whun? Chang Han-na will conduct symphonies by Mahler, Schumann and Dvorak during the upcoming “Absolute Classic Festival.” / Courtesy of Seongnam Arts CenterCellist Chang Han-na is Korea’s best shot at having world-class conductorThe “Absolute Classic Festival” will take place at the Seongnam Arts Center from Aug. 18 through Aug. 31. / Courtesy of Seongnam Arts CenterBy Do Je-haeKorea has produced some exceptional instrumentalists and singers. But the country has had little success with conductors, except for the pianist-turned conductor Chung Myung-whun.It seems that the former cello prodigy Chang Han-na is Korea's best hope for repeating the level of recognition Chung has enjoyed as a conductor and opera director since the 1980s. A Deutsche Grammophon artist, he is the only Korean conductor to achieve international recognition after holding regular posts in Los Angeles, Milan, Paris and Tokyo. Both musicians share a common ground in that they both started as child prodigies of their respective instruments and received elite music education in the U.S. They bJul 22, 2013
Re-inventing Bellini Soprano Jo Su-mi, left, tenor John Osborn, center, and mezzosopranoCecilia Bartoli take a break during a recording session in Zurich for a latest Decca production of “Norma.” / Courtesy of DeccaCecilia Bartoli, Jo Su-mi collaborate in ground-breaking ‘Norma’ album By Do Je-haeDecca released a new version of “Norma” in May./ Courtesy of DeccaThe great mezzo-soprano Cecilia Bartoli has been known for unconventional recording projects, culminating in a latest Decca release of Vincenzo Bellini's "Norma." In what is widely considered the operatic event of the year, the mezzo-soprano sings the lead role of Norma, which is typically reserved for lyrical sopranos. Because Norma is such an iconic role in the soprano repertory, the album has received much media attention since its release in late May. Her interpretation was hailed by the Financial Times as “a radical but convincing rethink of the part.” Another aspect that makes this album unique is the participation of Korean coloratura soprano Jo Su-mi, Jul 19, 2013
f(x) comes back with 'Pink Tape' A teaser image of f(x) member Krystal as the group is releasing its second album after a two-hiatus. / Courtesy of SM EntertainmentFive-member girl group f(x) is releasing its second album “Pink Tape” on July 29 for their awaiting global fans. The album reportedly has added more musical diversity to show the groups’ distinctive feature and the special characteristics of Victoria, Amber, Luna, Sulli and Krystal.The group that debuted in 2009 enjoyed success with their extended play “Nu ABO” in 2009 and with the full official album “Electric Shock” in 2011.The group unveiled an art film for their new release on Wednesday through f(x)’s official website, SM Town YouTube Channel ( www.youtube.com/sment/), SM Town Facebook, Naver, and other sites. Many are looking forward to the art film as f(x) has been away from the local music scene while members took on individual activities. The art film is created to promote the new album in a special way, which is expected to earn high attraction. Meanwhile, f(x) revealed Krystal’Jul 17, 2013
