Embassyline

Book Illustration and Layout Exhibition

The Bulgarian Embassy said that it is organizing an exhibition of Bulgarian book designs at the Korea Foundation Cultural Center in Sunhwa-dong, Seoul, from May 15 to 30.

The exhibition, titled ``Art of Bulgarian Books and Ex Libris,'' will show illustrations, layouts of books and textbooks, typographical designs and calligraphic compositions.

It will also present the main trend and phenomena in the past decade and draws a picture of the development of book arts in Bulgaria.

The embassy said that visitors will have a chance to see some of the best examples of an unique collection made by talented Bulgarian artists, and appreciate the richness of the Bulgarian spiritual identity, ancestral memory and visual culture.

The exhibition is open from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. (extended to 9 p.m. on Wednesdays) everyday except Sundays.

For more information, visit the center's Web site at www.kfcenter.or.kr

10th Jeonju Japan Week

The Japanese Embassy in Seoul said that it is organizing an annual comprehensive Japanese cultural festival in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province from May 17 to 27.

The 10th Jeonju Japan Week will present lectures by Japanese Ambassador Shotaro Oshima and Culture Minister Masatoshi Muto, musical concerts, and exhibitions of Japanese traditional art and workshops for the public.

All the events are free of charge for anyone interested. More information is available on the embassy's Web site at www.kr.emb-japan.go.jp.

Italian Opera Rinaldo Coming to Seoul

The Italian Embassy in Seoul said that ``Rinaldo,'' a Baroque opera by George Frideric Handel will be presented at the Seoul Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. on May 12, 13, 15, and 17.

Director Pier Luigi Pizzi, 76, will take part in the production as general director of the show. He will bring costumes, stage settings and decors, which he designed for the 2005 version of his ``Rinaldo'' at Teatro alla Scala, one of the world's top opera houses located in Milan, Italy.

Creator of more than 500 operatic productions in all major world theaters, Pizzi started his career as a set and costume designer and later became a director.

``Rinaldo'' was the first opera Handel produced for London and the first Italian opera composed specifically for the London stage.

For more information, visit the center's Web site at www.sac.or.kr.