Swedish Drum Corps Cheer Intl Audience
By Kim Se-jeong
Staff Reporter
The Royal Swedish Army Drum Corps thrilled fans of all nationalities and ages on April 25 at the National Theater of Korea in Seoul.
The corps made a rare departure from their post as part of the Swedish Armed Forces at the Royal Palace to join embassy-hosted celebrations honoring the 50th anniversary of relations between Sweden and Korea.
Rainfall on the night of the performance caused last-minute changes to the event. The original "Big Band" program involving a parade outdoors was cancelled and the corps were moved to the indoor auditorium, forcing them to invent an impromptu show involving popular show tunes, themes by hit Swedish pop music group ABBA, and others, supplemented with original choreography.
Highlights of the performance included a round from the corps' barbershop quintet, and a comedic rhythmic exercise presented without the use of instruments.
"It was so exciting to watch them play, even though we missed the marching outdoors," said Lee Hee-Jung. "They were really good. We were told that they travel only once or twice a year, so it was an honor that they actually came to Korea."
Corps members also said they were enjoying their first visit to Korea. Their activities include performing at other locations like the Yongsan American army base and taking in the sights of the nation.
"It has been a long tradition of Swedish military personnel to be involved in international matters," said Eugen Qvarnstrom, drum major and instructor to the corps. "Through this, we have met many who have worked or fought in Korea and have longed to see the nation ourselves. It is an astonishing view of Asia, and the people are all very friendly."
Korea Times intern Monica Park assisted in this article.