From flat-screen to stage “The Moon Embracing the Sun,’’ the MBC period piece that was most-watched drama of 2012, is the latest television product to be adapted as a musical. / Korea Times'Moon Embracing the Sun' ― the musical ― awaits the verdict of theatergoers By Kwon Mee-yooA musical based on “The Moon Embracing the Sun,’’ an MBC television period piece that was Korea’s most-watched drama in 2012, is attempting to duplicate the success of the original.The plot revolves around a difficult love story between Lee Hwon, a fictional king of the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910), and court lady Heo Yeon-woo. Adapted from the 2005 novel by Jung Eun-gwol, the series hit an astronomical 40 percent in viewer ratings and elevated Kim Su-hyun, who played Lee Hwon, to an A-list actor.So the musical, staged at the CJ Towol Theater at the Seoul Arts Center, is certainly facing hefty expectations. Previous television-to-stage adaptations like “Jewel in Palace’’ and “Lovers in Paris’’ were commercial letdowns ― and that was when the market fJul 17, 2013
Exploring Schubert After many years as a specialist in Russian and French music, Paik Kun-woo has shifted his focus to the Austro-German repertory including Beethoven, Brahms and Schubert in recent years. Paik will deliver an all-Schubert program on Sept. 12 at Seoul Arts Center. / Courtesy of VinceroPaik Kun-woo to devote upcoming recital to the early Romantic composerBy Do Je-haePaik Kun-woo is a fine example of a pianist who keeps getting better with age.At 67, he still strives to grow musically by expanding his repertoire and puts in five to six hours of practice while playing concerts around the world.For the first time in his career, the Paris-based pianist is delving into Schubert’s works for solo piano. He will give all-Schubert recitals in the upcoming months here and in France, in addition to releasing a new recording at Decca featuring works by the Austrian composer.“Local fans have for a long time waited for the combination of Schubert’s masterpieces and Paik’s insightful interpretations,” said Song Jae-young, PR director at Vincero.Paik’s Schubert recitaJul 14, 2013By Do Je-hae
Finding cohesion in the notes Kim Cheol-woong, a North Korean defector, hopes his music helps provide South Koreans with a better understanding of North Korean culture./ Korea Times fileNorth Korean-born pianist Kim Cheol-woong fosters understanding with musicBy Kim Young-jinThere was a time when pianist Kim Cheol-woong, a North Korean defector, risked punishment whenever he played modern Western music.Now in the South, he plays North Korean music for the betterment of society.Kim, 39, has become well-known not only for his virtuosity but also his inspiring life story, after he left behind a privileged background in search of musical freedom.Because many defectors come from the lower strata of society, Kim says South Korean perceptions of the North are skewed. Understanding North Korean culture is imperative to prepare for eventual unification, he believes.“South Koreans are taught to look at the differences between North and South,” Kim said in an interview in southern Seoul this week. “But we should be looking at the similarities.“I want to teach South Koreans about North Korean music. TJul 10, 2013
Girls' Generation Will sing national anthem on July 28 By Kim Ji-sooGirls’ Generation will sing the national anthem when the L.A. Dodgers and the Cincinnati Reds go head-to-head on July 28, SM Entertainment announced Friday. Korean pitcher Ryu Hyun-jin currently pitches for the L.A. Dodgers while Choo Shin-soo plays for the Cincinnati Reds. Girls’ Generation member Tiffany threw the first ball in the Dodgers game against the Arizona Diamondback on May 6, which pitcher Ryu caught as their latest single “I’ve Got a Boy” played in the background. The baseball game will take place at Dodger Stadium on July 28. The Girls’ Generation’s performance will be part of a “Korea Day” event co-planned by the National Tourism Organization and the LA Dodgers. A demonstration of taekwondo will also take place, and Korean fans will be distributed to those attending the match. Promotional images of Korea will be aired on electronic display boards. Unfortunately, all nine members may not be able to attend, because of varying individual schedules. Jul 5, 2013
Sejong Soloists open new era in Goyang The New York-based Sejong Soloists will hold their first concert as the resident company of the Goyang Aram Nuri Arts Center on July 21. / Courtesy of Goyang Cultural FoundationBy Do Je-haeRussian violin virtuoso Vadim Repin will perform pieces byMendelssohn and Waxman with the Sejong Soloists./ Courtesy of Goyang Cultural FoundationIn light of the growing number of world-renowned soloists and ensembles performing at Goyang Aram Nuri Arts Center in recent years, the satellite city of Goyang in Gyeonggi Province has become a preferred destination for classical music fans.Next to Seoul Arts Center, the Goyang Aram Nuri Arts Center has the best facilities for classical music concerts in the nation. The recent appointment of the elite chamber music group Sejong Soloists as its resident company is expected to advance the hall’s reputation as a premier venue.The New York-based Sejong Soloists were selected as the first resident ensemble of the 1,449 seat-hall since it was established in 2006, according a press release from the Goyang Cultural Foundation."The residency gives the SejonJul 3, 2013
Musical star vows to impress ahead of concert Ramin Karimloo will perform at Samsung Hall of Ewha Womans University in Seoul on Wednesday and Thurday, and the Gwangju Culture & Art Center on Friday. / Courtesy of Lee Soo-jinBy Kwon Mee-yoo Ramin Karimloo isn’t exactly a rock star, at least not yet. But it’s hard to notice from the significant buzz ahead of his concerts here.The 34-year-old Iranian-born actor is a highly sought-after commodity in West End, starring as Raoul and Phantom in the British run of “The Phantom of the Opera” and playing Marius, Enjolras and Jean Valjean in “Les Miserables.”These two titles happen to be all-time favorites in Korea, a country where the demand for musical theater seems insatiable. So despite never having performed in Korea, Karimloo is likely to walk into screams louder than jet engines in his upcoming concerts in Seoul and Gwangju.“I’m surprised (about the support) because I’ve never been here. It filled me with a lot of confidence and excitement to come and do a show here and people will hear me," said Karimloo, mentioning theJul 2, 2013
Star oboist Mayer to multitask as conductor Albrecht Mayer, principal oboist with the Berlin Philharmonic, will make his conducting debut for local fans during a Korean Symphony Orchestra subscription concert on July 18 at Seoul Arts Center. / Courtesy of DeccaBy Do Je-he It’s hard to imagine anyone playing the oboe with more beauty than Albrecht Mayer. For the past 21 years, he has occupied the position of principal oboist of the prestigious Berlin Philharmonic while building an illustrious solo and chamber music career.The 48-year-old musician will be performing in Seoul on July 18 at Seoul Arts Center. An unexpected surprise of the occasion is that Mayer will be conducting, besides playing the oboe.The German oboist only started conducting a few years ago, mostly in the concerto performances where he was also the soloist.In the upcoming concert, local fans will have a rare opportunity to see him conducting an entire symphony. Besides soloing in oboe concertos by Bach and Handel, the virtuoso oboist will lead the Korean Symphony Orchestra in a performance of Mendelssohn’s “Symphony No. 3 in a minor,&rdJul 1, 2013
Mound of music Violinist Chung Kyung-wha speaks during a press conference in Seoul, Wednesday. She has been leading the Great Mountains International Festival & School (GMMFS) since 2010 with her cellist sister Myung-wha. / Courtesy of the GMMFS Organizing CommitteeGangwon Province's Great Mountains summer music festival reaches a decadeBy Do Je-hae The Great Mountains International Festival & School (GMMFS), Korea’s top summer music event, celebrates its 10th anniversary season next month with a focus on composers from Northern Europe.Set in the lavish Alpensia resort in Gangwon Province, the GMMFS, will be organized around the theme “Northern Lights.” “We wanted to design a program that was unlike anything we had done before,” said cellist Chung Myung-wha, co-music director of the festival, during a press conference Wednesday in central Seoul.Jean Sibelius and Carl Nielsen, who left behind popular symphonies and violin concertos, are some of the most familiar composers from the region. The St. Michel Strings, a chamber orchestra based in MikkJun 28, 2013By Do Je-hae
A touch of greatness Violinist Itzhak Perlman will give a recital at Seoul Arts Center on Oct. 14. He will bring with him a program of works by Beethoven, Grieg and Tartini, in addition to a series of works to be announced on stage. / Courtesy of CrediaViolin virtuoso Itzhak Perlman to give rare recital in SeoulBy Do Je-haeItzhak Perlman, undeniably the reigning virtuoso of the violin, will visit Korea in October for a recital that includes sonatas by Beethoven and Grieg. Additional works will be announced from the stage.The Israeli-American violinist gave his first performance in Seoul in 19 years in 2010. Perlman was moved by the passionate response of Korean fans and has decided to perform here again, according to a Credia press release. Perlman has rarely given recitals in the last few years, due to teaching and other engagements.It will be interesting to hear how he plays the Grieg sonata in C minor, as he has never recorded the piece. He will also play Tartini’s "Devil’s Trill," which combines gorgeous melodies and a fiendishly difficult trill passages.Since his 1963 Carnegie Hall debutJun 25, 2013By Do Je-hae
Chinese pianist Yuja Wang to make Korean debut Pianist Yuja Wang will make her Korean debut with Chopin’s first piano concerto.By Do Je-hae A highlight of the London-based Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO)'s upcoming Seoul tour is Chinese piano sensation Yuja Wang, who will make her first appearance on a local stage. The Deutsche Grammophon artist will perform the Chopin Piano Concerto No. 1 at the Seoul Arts Center on June 29 under Swiss conductor Charles Dutoit.The 25-year-old makes regular appearances in the most prestigious concert halls and music festivals. The San Francisco Chronicle has described her as "the most dazzlingly, uncannily gifted pianist in the concert world today." She shares the same piano teacher as Lang Lang, another superstar pianist from China. They both studied at the Curtis Institute in Philadelphia under U.S. pianist Gary Graffman.Wang has an effortless technique and a huge repertoire that defies a relatively short career.In a New York Times feature last year on Wang, Graffman underlined the intelligence and good taste of her interpretations as qualities that distinguished her. He also saidJun 21, 2013By Do Je-hae
