Chung to turn fest into getaway for music, cultureBy Lee Hyo-won PYEONGCHANG, Gangwon Province ― Chung Myung-wha may play her 1731 ``Braga’’ Stradivarius with a certain air of authority, but never has she claimed ownership of the rare instrument ― the cellist seems to consider herself a vessel of music upon an endless tide of the classical tradition. Likewise, as the next-term head of the Great Mountains International Music Festival & School (GMMFS), she hopes to make positive waves in its long-term development as a place to enjoy not only chamber music but also Korean culture in the pastoral scenery. ``I never thought the Stradivarius I play was mine; I need to use it and pass it on safely to the next user. Likewise, when I begin my tenure next year, we need to look 50, 60 years down the road, and I hope to fulfill my role as a middleperson in the festival’s long-term development,’’ Chung told reporters Sunday at Alpensia Resort, PyeongChang. She will succeed Hyo Kang as the new artistic director of GMMFS beginning the eighth edition next year. Her younger sister, the violinist Chung Kyung-wha, will co-direct beginning SeptAug 9, 2010
Tablo to sue netizens over Stanford diplomaIs singer Tablo’s Stanford degree still an issue? Unfortunately, it still is. Law firm Kangho, Tablo’s legal representative, announced on Tuesday that Tablo will pursue legal action against some netizens whom Tablo claims to have stretched the truth about his years at Stanford. Consequently, what used to be a fight online is now to take place at court. Though this action is the strongest response Tablo has ever taken in the past three months, he is still careful in his fight. As much as he wants his privacy to be appreciated, he wishes to appreciate those of the anonymous. “Netizens will be granted a grace period for a week. We hope to exclude as many innocent people as possible” stated attorney Pyo Jong-nok, who is in charge of the case. The significance of this dispute lies in the involvement of the Public Prosecutors. “Because the gravity of the offense of the netizens depends on facts, the prosecutors’ investigation is crucial and inevitable,” said Pyo. However, looking at the continuing mess, a question remains: will the public then believe? It’s not like efAug 5, 2010
Korean girl groups to conquer TokyoKorean girls are everywhere in Tokyo. As Korean girl groups are rushing to debut in Japan, their promotion posters and electronic boards are sprawling. Kara, who will its debut on Aug. 11, is grabbing Japanese attention, by showing their music video on the electronic board at the center of Shibuya. Kara’s music video commercial appears on LCD electronic board every two hours, along with signs announcing Kara’s debut. Girls’ Generation is also on promotion. They will release their DVD on the same day. They are promoting themselves in big posters at subway stations of Shinjuku and Roppongi. By the fact that it is only DVD, it can be seen that Japanese management has huge expectations on Girls’ Generation. Unlike in Korea, they use more of offline promotions in Japan. Artists can know how famous they are by how much they appear on electronic boards and posters. With the promotion in Japan about Kara and Girls’ generation, newbie in Japan, it is highly probable for them to be successful in Japan. 도쿄 점령한 한국 걸그룹 한국 소녀들이 도쿄 곳곳에 있다. 한국 걸그룹들이 일본 데뷔에 박차를 가하면서 그들의 홍보 포스터와Aug 4, 2010
Album ReviewsAvenged Sevenfold `Nightmare’ (Warner Bros.) Making good metal music requires commitment. No one can say the current members of the metalcore band Avenged Sevenfold do not work hard at their craft. But their latest album rides the fence on exactly what type of metal it wants to be. Indecision has cost them. ``Nightmare’’ speeds through most of the songs, driven by the frenetic pace of drummer, Mike Portnoy. The band’s original drummer, Jimmy ``The Rev’’ Sullivan, died last year and this is the band’s first album without him. Soaring guitar leads add to the mayhem, and the vocals from M. Shadows are technically perfect. But that is where they go astray. Much of ``Nightmare’’ is metal by design. It is mostly overproduced, as on the title track and ``God Hates Us.’’ It is a fine display of their abilities, but there is no theme to the delivery, and the approach to most songs feels random, like the guys could not decide what type of metal to play. _ Associated Press Menomena `Mines’ (Barsuk) The fourth album from Menomena, a trio from Portland, Ore., comes 3 1/2 Aug 4, 2010
BoA cast as lead actress in Hollywood filmBy Lee Hyo-won Pop star BoA has been cast as the heroine of a Hollywood movie, her agency SM Entertainment announced Tuesday. The dance drama set in New York will be directed by Duane Adler, who is known for popular movies featuring dance, “Step Up” and “Save the Last Dance.” He has also penned the script for the new project, which, according to a statement released by SM Entertainment, was written with BoA in mind as the lead star. In addition, the film project will be overseen by Robert Cort, the producer of hit films such as “Jumanji” and “Runaway Bride.” Cort and Adler have previously worked together on “Save the Last Dance.” BoA, who has garnered popularity in Asian countries for her dance numbers, is expected to not only showcase powerful moves but also deliver a romantic performance opposite a male co-star in her big screen debut. The rest of the casting and other aspects of preproduction are currently under progress and shooting is expected to begin early next year in the United States. Meanwhile, the 23-year-old will return to the Korean pop scene after a fiAug 3, 2010
Booming beats rock Jisan FestBy Ines Min Staff reporter ICHEON ― The second annual Jisan Valley Rock Festival ended Sunday with more than 40 bands under its belt and thousands of satisfied, sunburnt fans. Though the skies were alternately overcast and unbearably bright, and the air thick with humidity, a rainless weekend and booming beats marked the festival’s three days to conclude this year’s endeavor to become the nation’s largest outdoor music event. And growing from 23,000 fans in attendance on the first day, to roughly 30,000 by day three, it may well have reached its goal. Play me a song Sharing some artists with the Fuji Rock Festival in Japan, this year’s lineup included a range of acts, from Korean indie bands to U.K. legends. Day one saw a major crowd-stealer with Belle and Sebastian’s set. The Scottish indie-pop group engaged the audience with their tunes, but lead vocalist Stuart Murdoch won over hearts with his personable stage presence ― even inviting some fans onto the stage with him ― and a perfect mix of old songs and new. One fan was even caught on camera, tearing up from tAug 1, 2010
Summer night of strings, piano and songsBy Han Sang-hee Staff reporter Three masters of guitar, piano and songwriting have joined together for a special performance titled ``Play With Us.’’ Guitarist Lee Byeong-woo, pianist Kim Kwang-min and singer-songwriter Yoon Sang will take the stage together next month and present a unique performance with melodic and refreshing tunes. Before the nation was hit by boy bands, girl groups and fast paced beats, there was a period when male singer-songwriters led offline music charts: You Hee–yeol, Shin Seung-hun, Yoon Jong-shin, Lee Seung-hwan and Yoon Sang, just to name a few. Instead of using artificially generated sounds and beats like Korea sees today, they all managed to bring natural and unique tunes with trademark styles, Yoon Sang being one of them. Yoon, who rose to stardom with his distinctive melodies that combined pop, jazz and a hint of electronica, was one of the most sought after songwriters and although he didn’t appear in the media that often, he managed to win the ears and hearts of music lovers, and gain recognition both here and overseas. AJul 28, 2010
World percussionists bring unique beatBy Chung Ah-young Staff reporter From bongos, congas, timpani, vibraphones, and glockenspiels to the tam-tam, the sounds of various percussion instruments are resonating at the first International Percussion Festival in Seoul. World-class percussionists ― six soloists and five groups from six countries ― are convening at the Korea National University of Arts through July 30 to show the past, present and future of percussion. Soloists Steve Houghton, Frederic Macarez, Eric Sammut, Klaus Tresselt, Marta Klimasara and Kim Eun-hye are taking part in the event. Houghton is a world-renowned jazz drummer and percussionist who initially received acclaim at the age of 20.He has more than 100 recordings to his credit as a participating artist.As a classical percussionist, the musician has performed with the Boston Pops and Philadelphia Pops as well as the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. He has performed as a soloist with numerous orchestras and wind ensembles throughout the world. Specializing in the timpani, Macarez is one of the most prolific percussionists of his generation. AsJul 27, 2010
Enjoy sun, music at Summer Week & TBy Han Sang-hee Staff reporter What would summer be if it were not for the sun and the beach along with some great music? Enjoy all three at Summer Week & T 2010, a music festival especially for those eager to brush off the heat and have a memorable summer weekend. While other music events are either held at parks (Pentaport Rock Festival) or islands (Jarasum Jazz Festival), the beach event will be held at Naksan Beach, Yangyang, Gangwon Province on Aug. 6 and 7, the first at this location with some of the hippest artists in the world invited to make this a unique opportunity. SK Telecom, the company behind the project, explained that the event follows the theme of the Full Moon Party held at Ko Phangan, Thailand, and the famous day-long festival held at the Spanish resort island Ibiza. Aside from the venue, the two headliners will also have local fans excited: Kanye West and Lupe Fiasco. Jul 27, 2010
Album reviewsProfessor Green `Alive Till I’m Dead’ (Warner Music Korea) This East Londoner has been making waves for the past several years, with references to Eminem and winning prizes worth 50,000 pounds ($78,000) from MySpace. But aside from the hype, Professor Green’s debut album promises a mix of dramatic rock, pop, dance and rap. The convincingly entertaining release borrows tunes from INXS and combines vocals with the likes of Lily Allen, resulting in a familiar but edgy package. Green, from the land of grime, updates hits like ``Need You Tonight’’ to become a fully modern number. In fact, the entire record is a true product of the times (including a coverlet riddled with poor spelling and, is that Shereen Shabana’s name spelled wrong?), which falls flat at times but ultimately leaves you with a danced-out feeling of satisfaction and the epic ``Goodnight.’’ ― Ines Min 3OH!3 `Streets of Gold’ (Warner Music Korea) Disclaimer: Bands with elementary punctuation in their name are automatically knocked down a point. That being said, the two behind this electro-hop group ― Jul 27, 2010