Kenny G Returns in AprilBy Cathy Rose A. Garcia Staff Reporter Popular American saxophonist Kenny G will once again charm Korean audiences with his smooth jazz music in April. Kenny G will perform on April 29 at the Olympic Hall, Olympic Park in southern Seoul. His last performance in Seoul was two years ago. Kenny G just released a new album ``Rhythm and Romance,'' which represents his foray into Latin music. The album includes sultry tunes such as ``Besame Mucho'' (Kiss me a lot), ``Peruvian Nights,'' ``Salsa Kenny'' and ``Mirame bailar'' featuring Barbara Munoz. The Korean version of ``Rhythm and Romance'' will include the Korean and Spanish version of soprano Jo Sumi's ``Look at Me Dance.'' Kenny G is one of the best-selling jazz musicians in the world. He primarily uses the soprano saxophone, and also plays the flute, and the alto and tenor saxophone. He started his career as a saxophone soloist for Barry White's Love Unlimited Orchestra when he was only 20 years old. He released his self-titled debut album in 1982, followed by ``G Force'' in 1983 and ``Gravity'' in 1985. His eaFeb 19, 2008
Duran Duran Returns to Seoul for ConcertBy Cathy Rose A. Garcia Staff Reporter Duran Duran returns to Seoul in April for its first concert in the country in 19 years. The British band, hugely popular in the 1980's, is embarking on a world tour to promote its latest album ``Red Carpet Massacre.'' Duran Duran are expected to perform their well-known songs such as ``A View to a Kill,'' ``Wild Boys'' and ``Ordinary World'' during a concert at the Olympic Gymnastics Stadium, Olympic Park on April 17. The group last performed in Seoul in 1989. Composed of Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes, John Taylor and Roger Taylor, Duran Duran was one of the biggest New Wave groups in the 1980's. Since the group was formed in 1978, Duran Duran has sold over 85 million records and had numerous hit singles. They are also known for their stylish image and creative music videos. In 1981, they released their self-titled debut album, which included the hit song ``Girls on Film.'' The song's music video generated much controversy because it featured topless women wrestling in the mud. The following year, Duran Duran released their second Feb 19, 2008
Seoul Arts Center Holds 20th Anniversary EventBy Lee Hyo-won Staff Reporter The Seoul Arts Center celebrated its 20th anniversary with a festive night of music Friday, with pianist Kim Sun-wook and soprano Shin Young-ok in its concert hall in southern Seoul. Prominent social figures and 400 guests, invited through an online draw, took part in the special concert, where distinguished Japanese-born Korean conductor Kim Hong-je led the KBS Symphony Orchestra. The 19-year-old pianist gave his first ― and thoroughly moving ― performance of Rachmaninov's second piano concerto. The New York Metropolitan Opera's leading lady Shin sang beautiful operatic arias. Particularly notable was the encore ``duet'' piece ``It's Impossible'' where Kim's piano tunes blended in perfect harmony with Shin's angelic voice. Since its opening in 1988, the center has been the nation's first and foremost complex center exclusively dedicated to cultural and artistic themes. hyowlee@koreatimes.co.krFeb 17, 2008
Piano Virtuosos to Give Solo RecitalsBy Lee Hyo-won Staff Reporter Vibrant piano tunes will add color and rhythm to the nippy winter air, as artists with splendid techniques and unique styles give solo recitals this week. Stay tuned as pianists Katia & Marielle Labeque, Lim Dong-hyek and Andras Schiff paint music with their piano keys at the Seoul Arts Center. You can visit the English Web site www.sac.or.kr/eng for more information. Katia & Marielle Labeque Duo-pianists Katia and Marielle Labeque offer a night of Mozart, Schubert and Ravel at the Seoul Arts Center, Wednesday. For more than 20 years, the French sisters have been at the forefront of music for two pianos. Both began playing at the age of three and entered the Paris Conservatory in their early teens. Then they met pianist Alfred Brendel, from whom they ``learned more about Schubert in 15 minutes than their years at the conservatory.'' Rather than pursuing solo careers, the two decided to play together, with Katia generally leading on the first-piano part and Marielle on the second. Their 1980 best-selling album ``Rhapsody in Blue'' threwFeb 17, 2008
Album ReviewsJack Johnson `Sleep Through The Static' Universal The song ``Better Together,'' which was used in a local TV commercial advertisement is well known to many Koreans, though the American singer/songwriter composer Jack Johnson, who has recorded his fourth album with the help of solar energy, is less known to them. This album package, which was produced with eco-friendly ink and recycled paper, contains mellow grooves of standout tracks such as ``What You Thought You Need,'' ``Adrift,'' and ``Go On.'' Johnson, who actively engages in the environment protection campaigns, presents his eco-friendly messages with his acoustic pop of soulful ruminations. For this album, drummer Adam Topol, bassist Merlo Podlewski and keyboardist Zach Gill worked with guitarist and vocalist Johnson. -Chung Ah-young Kat de Luna `9 Lives' Sony BMG If you need some fresh dance music, Kat de Luna may be the answer. Only 18, this New York born Latin dance queen is already hitting pop charts with her exotic tunes. ``Whine Up'', which also features the renowned musician Elephant Man, Feb 12, 2008
Prodigy Pianist Kim Sun-wook Goes InternationalThis is the first in a series of interviews with the next generation of classical musicians. ― ED. By Lee Hyo-won Staff Reporter Having first struck the piano keys at the age of three, Kim Sun-wook had won most of the major domestic piano competitions by 10. He skipped high school to enter the Korea National University of Arts to study under the distinguished pianist/professor Kim Dae-jin. By 18 he had won major international piano competitions, making headlines by winning the 2004 Ettlingen (Germany), the 2005 Clara Haskil (Switzerland) and the 2006 Leeds (United Kingdom) events as Asia's first and the world's youngest winner in 40 years. Now, before turning 20 in April, Kim is signing a contract with the prestigious international arts management company Askonas Holt. He will be joining distinguished artists such as conductors Simon Rattle and Chung Myung-whun, cellist Yo-Yo Ma and soprano Sumi Jo. ``But nothing's changed all that much,'' Kim told The Korea Times. ``My childhood dreams ― winning first place at competitions or signing contracts ― have all come true atFeb 12, 2008
DJ Myagi Hits Clubs This Weekend DJ Myagi will perform in Seoul Feb. 15 at Club Circle, and in Busan Feb. 16 at Club Fabric.By Cathy Rose A. Garcia Staff Reporter International disc jockey Myagi, also known as Sole Claw, will hit Korea's club scene this weekend, with performances at Club Circle in Seoul on Feb. 15 and Club Fabric in Busan on Feb. 16. A top Canadian DJ who has played all around the world, Myagi promises to give Korean partygoers lots of ``big, monster club tunes" that will have them on the dance floor until early morning. Myagi, whose real name is Andrew Mavor, said he considers Seoul as one of his favorite cities to perform in Asia. `` I've always had great experiences in Asia, and especially in Seoul. Great clubs, great food and really fun people. I've played in Seoul and China twice now, and it stands out as some of the most fun ones I've ever played," he said. Myagi started writing music when he was a 14 or 15 years old, and used a computer to create songs. A few years later, his music was published. ``I quickly started DJ-ing after that, as I fell in love with club culture and dance musFeb 12, 2008
Valentine Concerts to Go on Stage By Kwon Mee-yoo Staff Reporter Come Thursday is Valentine's Day, where lovers express their love for each other, mostly through chocolate. In addition to a box of the decadent darks, there is a choice of great concerts to round off a perfect gift for the special day. K Pop E Z-hyoung's concert is named ``Chocola a la folie,'' which means ``indulging in chocolate'' in French. The singer promises a romantic concert to go along with the name. It will be held at the 100 Years Memorial Hall in Ewha Girls' High School, in northern Seoul Feb. 16. E is also a heartthrob in the underground music scene clustered around Hongik University area. At the Valentine's Day concert, he will sing songs from his first album ``Radio Days,'' a musical sketch ``Coffee & Tea'' and Toy's album, which he participated in as a guest vocalist. He will show off his powerful rocker persona while singing a special number for the Day. He will reveal new songs from his upcoming second album as well. Toy, or You Hee-yeol, and Afro funk band Serengeti will appear as guest artists. TickeFeb 11, 2008
Seoul Arts Center Celebrates 20 YearsBy Lee Hyo-won Staff Reporter The Seoul Arts Center (SAC), a landmark on the domestic arts and culture scene, marks its 20th anniversary with a series of concerts later this week ― a special performance with soprano Shin Young-ok and pianist Kim Sun-wook, Friday and Saturday; followed by the first of the Korean World Star Series with conductor Chung Myung-whun, Sunday. Beautiful Life! This year, Seoul Arts Center has prepared 34 concerts and exhibitions titled ``Beautiful Life! With SAC'' to celebrate 20 years of arts and music. Having opened its doors Feb. 15, 1988, SAC celebrates its birthday Friday with the first of the ``Beautiful Life'' program, an invitational concert featuring top musical talent. Conductor Kim Hong-je will lead the KBS Symphony Orchestra, one of Korea's oldest and celebrated ensembles, in playing Elgar's ``Pomp and Circumstance'' and Stravinsky's ``L'Oiseau de Feu.'' Born in Japan, Kim is a leading musician on the Japanese classical music scene and is a disciple of maestros such as Seiji Ozawa. Having also studied in Germany with the world-renoFeb 10, 2008
Album ReviewsSarah Brightman `Symphony' EMI Classics Sarah Brightman returns with ``Symphony,'' her first recording in five years. The all-time best-selling soprano brings an eclectic mix of gothic heavy metal and symphonic melodies. It begins with a powerfully rhythmic intro track ``Gothica'' that feeds right into ``Fleur du Mal,'' which was inspired by Baudelaire's poem. In stark contrast are the romantic pieces ``Storia d'Amore'' and ``Schwere Traume,'' which is based on the Adagio movement of Mahler's 5th Symphony. With Andrea Bocelli she sings ``Canto Della Terra,'' a somewhat washed down version of their hit duet ``Time to Say Goodbye.'' While ``Symphony'' showcases an interesting dichotomy between metallic music and Brightman's delicate voice, its highly experimental nature may not suite all tastes. - Lee Hyo-won Berlin Philharmonic, Simon Rattle `Mussorgsky & Borodin' EMI Classics This is the 2007 live recording of Berlin Philharmonic's festive year-end concert, which precedes the Vienna Philharmonic's New Year performance. It was broadcast live across GermanFeb 5, 2008