[Herald Interview] Violinist Randall Goosby plays ways to more inclusive classical music scene

American violinist Randall Goosby had a profound revelation at the age of 14: Composers could be Black. That was seven years after he had started playing the violin. Goosby, the son of an African American father and a mother who is a third-generation Korean who grew up in Japan, was troubled by the realization, which only intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic. “There was a lot of attention on the divide between races in America and I think in classical music that divide is as clear as i

June 20, 2023

[Herald Review] Bruno Mars brings magic to sold-out crowd in Seoul with finesse

Every moment in Hawaiian-born superstar Bruno Mars' performance in Seoul was delicate and romantic -- and it was his unmatchable finesse that made it all seem so easy. The iconic “Uptown Funk” singer Bruno Mars, born Peter Hernandez, visited Korea for the first time in nine years for a two-day sold-out concert series at Jamsil Olympic Main Stadium from Saturday to Sunday. The shows were part of the 27th edition of Hyundai Card’s annual cultural project “Super Concert

June 20, 2023

South Korea's Hong Seok-young nabs top prize at junior edition of Cliburn Piano Competition

South Korean teen pianist Hong Seok-young became the winner of the Cliburn International Junior Piano Competition and Festival that ended Saturday in Dallas, Texas. For the final round that took place on Saturday, the 15-year-old performed Rachmaninov’s “Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, op. 43.” Hong also took home the Audience Award. The third edition of the junior competition designed for pianists age 13 to 17 took place from June 8 to Saturday, with 37 pianists out of 248

June 19, 2023

Tenor Kim Sung-ho wins Song Prize from BBC Cardiff Singer of the World

South Korean tenor Kim Sung-ho became the Song Prize winner at the BBC Cardiff Singer of the World competition held at St David's Hall, Cardiff, on Thursday. Kim, 32, took home the prize for his rendition of “Let Beauty Awake” by Ralph Vaughan Williams, “Mit Myrten und Rosen” by Schumann, “Do not sing, my beauty” by Rachmaninoff, “Morgen!” by Strauss and “Dongsimcho” by Kim Seong-tae. The winner of the BBC Cardiff Singer of the Wor

June 18, 2023

[Herald Interview] Edinburgh Festival Fringe’s living history on opportunities created on fringes

In South Korea, the term "fringe" is increasingly being used at various festivals, such as the DIMF Fringe of the Daegu International Musical Festival, the Kocaca Fringe Festival alongside the Jeju Haevichi Arts Festival, the Dynamic Street Fringe of the Busan International Performing Arts Festival, the Seoul Fringe Festival and many more. The term "fringe" has typically referred to the border or outer edges, and now represents the inclusive and experimental nature of perfo

June 15, 2023

[Herald Interview] Singer-songwriter Lee Juck takes readers on poetic exploration of words

Singer-songwriter Lee Juck, is celebrated for his lyrics filled with introspective questions and comforting messages, and for his ability to weave profound, poetic narratives into his songs. Following the publication of his short story collection “Fingerprint Hunter” (2005), picture books “One Day” and “I Will Wait, You Wait for Me,” Lee has recently published his debut essay collection titled “Lee Juck’s Words” (working title), published by

June 12, 2023

[Herald Interview] Violinist Kim Bomsori on Go and her nickname, "competition hunter"

It is true that the name "Bomsori" holds the beautiful meaning of "spring sound" in Korean and is quite rare to come across, but it is not the sole reason why violinist Kim Bomsori stands out. A recent email interview with Kim reveals what truly makes the 32-year-old violinist special. She fell in love with the string instrument at the age of five when she was mesmerized by the sound of Korean violinist Chung Kyung-wha’s performance, even though it didn’t take l

June 9, 2023

[Herald Interview] Versatile conductor Lahav Shani's golden triangle of inspiration

On June 19, 2016, Lahav Shani made his debut with the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra as conductor of Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 6, "Pathetique." Two months later, he was appointed as the chief conductor of the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra to lead it as its youngest conductor from September 2018. On the same date this year, Shani will lead the orchestra to perform the Symphony “Pathetique” for a Korean audience -- the symphony with which he made his first encounte

June 9, 2023

French visionary Preljocaj's ballet 'Swan Lake' brings ecological narrative to timeless classic

French modern ballet choreographer Angelin Preljocaj brings his new take on the canonical classical ballet “Swan Lake” to the LG Arts Center from June 22-25. Preljocaj’s rendition of “Swan Lake” premiered in France in October 2020 as the visionary choreographer’s third production of narrative ballet, following “Romeo and Juliet” (1996) and “Snow White” (2008). Dancer-choreographer Preljocaj has been at the forefront of contemporary ball

June 7, 2023

Marking 20th year, Music In PyeongChang to highlight nature through classical music

Music in PyeongChang, an annual music festival held in Pyeongchang, Gangwon Province, will return to the theme of nature to celebrate its 20th anniversary this year. In 2004, the festival was inaugurated under the theme of “nature’s inspiration.” From July 26 to Aug. 5, the festival will showcase 20 concerts and eight outreach concerts with pieces such as Schumann's "Forest Scenes," Vivaldi's "The Four Seasons," and Schubert's "Trout Quin

June 7, 2023

'Dynamite' tops 1.7 b YouTube views to become most-watched BTS MV

The music video of K-pop superband BTS' 2020 megahit single "Dynamite" has topped 1.7 billion YouTube views, becoming the most-viewed music video by the boy group, its agency said Tuesday. The "Dynamite" music video surpassed the threshold on YouTube at 8:37 p.m. on Monday, becoming the first music video by BTS to achieve the feat, BigHit Music said. "Dynamite" is an upbeat disco pop song carrying a message of hope. It was released in August 2020 in the depth

June 6, 2023

National Dance Company of Korea's 'Sanjo' visualizes Korean music through dance

The National Dance Company of Korea is set to perform “Sanjo” at Haeoreum Theater from June 23-25. “Sanjo” reinterprets the beauty of “sanjo” -- traditional Korean music involving an instrumental solo -- in a modern perspective, expressing melody through dance and mise-en-scenes. Sanjo music is characterized by a blend of formal beauty and spontaneity, as the melody is crafted freely within a structured framework. Similar to Western jazz, the genre allows for

June 6, 2023

[Herald Review] In stories of empowering women, 'Red Book' and '9 to 5' differ in portrayals of men

Recently staged musicals "Red Book" and "9 to 5" share a common underlying theme: Women finding their own voice through hardship. Despite their different origins and settings, both musicals highlight the journey of women overcoming obstacles and asserting their strength. "Red Book" centers around Anna, a female writer born during the Victorian era. She bravely confesses her first sexual experience to her fiance only to be abandoned. Seeking solace, Anna moves to the

June 5, 2023

22-year-old Korean baritone Kim Tae-han wins Queen Elisabeth Competition

South Korean baritone Kim Tae-han won the Queen Elisabeth Competition on Sunday, becoming the first Asian to win since the competition’s singing category was established in 1988. He will receive the award from Queen Mathilde of Belgium, along with prize money of 25,000 euros ($26,811). Kim clinched South Korea’s second consecutive win at this prestigious competition after cellist Cho Ha-young ranked in first in 2022. Named after Queen Elisabeth of Belgium, the competition is one of w

June 4, 2023

Soprano Sumi Jo to launch singing competition named after her next year

BRUSSELS -- Renowned South Korean soprano Sumi Jo has said that an international classical singing competition named after her will be launched in France next year. The inaugural "Sumi Jo International Singing Competition in Castle" is scheduled to take place from July 15-21, 2024, at Chateau de La Ferte-Imbault, a medieval castle near Paris, Jo said in an interview with Yonhap News Agency on Saturday. It is the first time that a Korean classical singer is launching a singing competi

June 4, 2023

Italy’s AsLiCo Competition opens doors for young opera singers in Asia

The Italian AsLiCo Competition for Young Opera Singers is breaking new ground as it opens its borders to Asia for the very first time in Seoul, in November, the AsLiCo Asia Department announced Friday. Dominique Meyer, chairman and director of La Scala Opera House, which has been affiliated with the AsLiCo association, will visit Seoul for the final competition in Asia. Established in 1949, the AsLiCo Opera Competition will celebrate its 75th anniversary in 2024. Over the years, the competition

June 3, 2023

NToK to premiere heartwarming barrier-free play 'Our Town'

The National Theater of Korea is set to premiere its production of the heartwarming play “Our Town” at the Daloreum Theater from June 22-25. The Korean adaption of the Pulitzer Prize-winning play by American playwright Thornton Wilder explores the beauty and significance of everyday life, weaving a narrative around a family with a disabled member. Im Do-wan, who directed the National Theater Company of Korea’s production of “Scarpin,” took the helm of the adaptation

June 2, 2023

Busan performing arts fest kicks off with 41 productions from home and abroad

The 20th Busan International Performing Arts Festival kicked off in Busan on Friday with 41 productions by artists from 11 countries presenting their work over the 17-day festival. A special performance titled "1945," presented by theater company Dongnyok, will be staged at Busan Citizen's Hall from Friday to Sunday. "1945" tells the story of forgotten individuals who embark on a return journey to Korea after the country’s independence from Japanese colonial rule

June 2, 2023

[Herald Interview] National Chorus of Korea's artistic director hopes to revive harmony

During the 1970s and 1980s, South Korea experienced a flourishing chorus culture with numerous small and large chorus groups. Prior to the start of the 9 o'clock TV news program, art songs would be broadcast, and amateur competitions and festivals were abundant. It was around that time the National Chorus of Korea was founded in 1973, followed by chorus groups established by regional governments. This period marked a golden era for chorus culture in Korea, according to Yoon Eui-joong, t

May 31, 2023

[Herald Review] 'One Dance' embodies grandeur through contemporary mis-en-scene

The Seoul Metropolitan Dance Theatre wrapped up its four-day performance of “One Dance,” or “Ilmu” in Korean, at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts from Thursday to Sunday. Directed by Jung Ku-ho, the iconic performance presents a modern reinterpretation of a traditional dance from Jongmyo Jeryeak, a royal ceremonial performance encompassing singing, music and dance that took place during the royal ancestral rites at Jongmyo Shrine. Jung, a fashion designer-turned-

May 29, 2023