K-pop

Album Reviews

Paik Byung-dong 'Byung-dong Paik & Hwaum Chamber' Sony BMG For the past 50 years, Paik Byung-dong had been at the forefront of contemporary classical music in Korea. A disciple of the world-renowned Isang Yun (1917-1995), the 71-year-old composer opened a new musical horizon with his sharp intuition and warm lyricism. In 2006, Paik had presented his works from the 1980s to his most recent creations through recitals and was named ``Artist of the Year.'' In his new album, Hwaum Chamber Orchestra brings to life five pieces that poeticize Paik the artist and the individual. Paik explains that in ``Yeolmok'' (1982), string instruments harmonize to create a heavy, drooping sound that evokes muddy waters passing by yeolmok, or the neck of the rapids, while the three movements of ``Trilogy'' (2006) paint of a portrait of his past, present and future. - LEE HYO-WON Kate Royal Debut Album Kate Royal & Academy of St. Martin in the Fields EMI Classics Lyric soprano Kate Royal captivated Britain through operas and recitals and finally brings a debut album that captures her

Joy of Strings Marks 10th Anniversary

By Lee Hyo-won Staff Reporter Joy of Strings, a group of young string musicians led by internationally renowned violinist Lee Sung-joo, celebrates its 10th anniversary with a special performance Friday at Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in northern Seoul. The chamber group was launched in 1997 by Korea National University of Arts and Lee, one of the star professors. Lee is recognized as a ``first rate violinist'' (New York Times_ with `` impeccable technique'' (Il Gazzentina, Venice), and while planning a student-teacher concert, she decided to take the stage with all of her students instead of just a couple of her young violinists. Joy of Strings was thus born, with Lee as its music director (Joy also happens to be Lee's English name). The surprisingly enthusiastic response led to a string of performance opportunities, and the chamber group began making a name for itself in the classical musical scene. The group soon took the world stage and took part in prominent music festivals across Korea, the United States and Germany. But it wasn't always easy. Not too lo

Harry Connick to Go on Stage

By Chung Ah-young Staff Reporter This year, many music lovers might be elated with the big rush of high-profile musicians such as Celine Dion and Bjork performing here. Now, American jazz musician Harry Connick Jr. is joining the rush to perform in Seoul on March 13, 10 years after he first held a concert here. As one of the most popular jazz musicians, Connick gained popularity for his memorable numbers in film ``When Harry Met Sally'' (1989), starring Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal. The soundtrack consists of several standards, including ``It Had to Be You,'' ``Let's Call the Whole Thing Off'' and ``Don't Get Around Much More.'' Also, ``A Wink and a Smile'' from ``Sleepless in Seattle,'' another romantic film, might be a good reminder of his music. Connick won three prizes at the Grammy Awards for Best Jazz Male Vocal Performance for his songs on the soundtrack of ``When Harry Met Sally'' and ``We Are in Love'' in 1990 and 1991 respectively, and Best Traditional Pop Album with ``Songs I Heard'' in 2002. Not only an acclaimed musician, Connick is also a well-rounded

Young stars

Album Reviews

Celine Dion `A New Day… Live in Las Vegas' SonyBMG The double-DVD set is all about the extravagant shows by world renowned diva Celine Dion, who is coming to Korea March 18-19. It includes her sold-out live theatrical show at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas directed by Franco Dragone. The show ended Dec. 15 after a five-year run starting from 2003. The special package is offered in nine different languages, including Korean and English, along with the behind-the-scene meetings with her fans and interviews. The set presents her all-time hit numbers such as ``A New Day Has Come,'' ``The Power of Love,'' ``Because You Loved Me'' and ``My Heart Will Go On.'' -CHUNG AH-YOUNG Voices 8 Josh Groban & Others Universal Music The eighth of the crossover compilation series ``Voices'' is a rare mix of the best from a variety of genres. Seventeen of the most unforgettable singers of our time sing beloved songs from operas, pop music and musicals: Andrew Lloyd Webber's ``Pie Jesu'' by the young artist Charlotte Church, Celine Dion's ``My Heart Will Go On'' sung

Album Reviews

Eros Ramazzotti `E2' SonyBMG This is an assorted collection of Italian singer/songwriter Eros Ramazzotti's hit songs commemorating the 25th anniversary of his debut. The two-CD album consists of 14 hit songs including ``Non Siamo Soli,'' a duet song with Ricky Martin. The album also carries four new songs including ``Ci Parliamo Da Grandi'' composed and produced by renowned musician Guy Chambers with impressive melodic lines based on a slow tempo. ``Dove Si Nascondono Gli Angeli'' and ``Il Tempo Tra Di Noi'' are typical Ramazzotti styles, featuring dramatic and exotic canzone rhythms. Also, Ramazzotti turns ``L'Aurora'' into a delightful party song and also retouches various rock numbers including ``Dove C'E'Musica'' and ``Taxi Story.'' -Chung Ah-young Abba `Number Ones' Universal This album is a rare chance to hear Swedish pop band Abba's best hit songs carefully selected on two CDs and a DVD. It consists of 30 hit numbers such as ``Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!'' ``Mamma Mia,'' ``Super Trouper'' and ``I Do, I Do, I Do.'' It also includes music videos of 19 numbe

Celebrate 2007 Finale in Classic Style

By Lee Hyo-won Staff Reporter They say all's well that ends well. With less than a week until 2008, here are several classical concerts to wrap up 2007 on a positive ― and melodious ― note. All ticket reservations are available at www.ticketlink.co.kr (1588-7890) and www.interpark.com (1544-1555). Year-End Concerts Brahms Series: Maestro Chung Myung-whun and the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra offer the last ― but not least ― edition of the Brahms Special Orchestra Series, Thursday at the Seoul Arts Center. The highlight of the fifth serial performance dedicated to Johannes Brahm (1833-1897) is the appearance of Brazil's celebrated pianist Nelson Freire. The 63-year-old was personally sponsored by the Brazilian president to study in Vienna at the age of 10, and has since appeared in major music capitals with renowned musicians and ensembles. Having won Gramophone's 2007 Record of the Year Award for his recording of Brahms Piano Concerto Nos. 1 and 2 with Decca, he joins Korea's oldest classical ensemble to give life to the second concerto. The philharmonic group will

Mouskouri to Hold Charity Concert for Taean Victims

By Lee Hyo-won Staff Reporter Renowned Greek singer Nana Mouskouri, 73, due to tour Korea next January, announced plans to aid oil spill relief efforts in Taean, South Chungcheong Province through a charity concert. The benefit concert will be held for free (limited to invited guests), and Mouskouri will visit Taean to hand deliver the donation to an environmental group, said concert organizer Sori Entertainment. Part of the profits from her scheduled tour will also go to charity. The date and venue of this additional concert is yet to be announced. The tour will begin Jan. 20 at Seoul Central City Millennium Hall and continue on to Seongnam (Jan.20), Daegu (Jan. 24), Changwon (Jan. 25) and Busan (Jan. 26). The singer was initially scheduled to visit in July as part of her Farewell World Tour, but had to postpone for health reasons. Following visits in 1988 and 2005, it will be her third time here. Mouskouri is much loved for timeless songs like ``Try to Remember,'' ``Over and Over'' and ``Plaisir d'Amour.'' Also a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF, she has been a str

Sumi Jo, Rising Stars Tour Korea

By Lee Hyo-won Staff Reporter Prime coloratura soprano Sumi Jo has returned to her homeland to helm the next generation of Korean opera stars in the cross-country concert tour ``Sumi Jo & Winners,'' from Busan to Seoul through Jan. 3, 2008. ``I've been looking forward to this since my world tour last year (celebrating 20 years since my international debut),'' said the 45-year-old diva during a press meeting in Seoul, Thursday. ``These young artists are joining me on my longtime journey. We need to establish a support system for musicians, especially given that we put Korea's reputation on the line. ``There are so many young artists leading active careers abroad. They have such bright futures and need to be taken notice of,'' said Jo. ``I wanted to support them and sing less than I was scheduled to, but that was apparently a problem with selling tickets,'' she added with a laugh. Joining the prima donna onstage are award-winning singers who are playing principal roles in the international music scene: soprano Son Ji-hye, mezzo soprano Lee A-kyeong, tenors Lee Jeong-won an

Album Reviews

Justin Timberlake `Futuresex/Lovesounds' SonyBMG Pop idol Justin Timberlake has released a deluxe edition of his second solo album ``Futuresex/Lovesounds.'' This shiny silver packaged album consists of one CD and one DVD. The CD includes three bonus tracks along with songs from Timberlake's second album. ``Until the End of Time'' is a duet with Beyonce while ``Sexyback'' is remixed by DJ Wayne Williams featuring Missy Elliot and the ``Sexy Ladies'' remix features 50 Cent. The DVD presents three music videos, ``Sexyback,'' ``My Love'' and ``What Goes Around ... Comes Around,'' an interview with the director and behind-the-scenes of these clips. It also features Timberlake's TV performances such as at the MTV Video Music Awards. -Kwon Mee-yoo Ricky Martin Live `Black & White Tour' SonyBMG Feel the heat from Ricky Martin's live at San Juan, Puerto Rico through his ``Black & White Tour'' album. Ten best tracks chosen are listed on the CD. It includes Martin's most prominent song ``Livin' La Vida Loca,'' as well as ballad numbers such as ``Vuelve,'' ``Tal Vez''