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'Let's compete, Berlin Philharmonic': New Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra CEO
Jung Jae-wal aims to make the Seoul-based orchestra as competitive as the city, fully backing SPO Artistic Director Jaap van Zweden To become a leading ensemble capable of competing with the Berlin Philharmonic: This is the ambitious goal announced by Jung Jae-wal, the new CEO of the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra, during a press conference Monday. "Seoul ranks sixth on the Global Power City Index. It is inevitable for an orchestra in such a city to be equally competitive," said Jung, 60, in layin
Jan. 13, 2025 -
'The Lives of Others' explores humanity beyond ideology in Korean stage adaptation
'Placing respect, compassion and humanity above any ideology,' says German film director What does it truly mean to understand another human being? This is the question that lies at the heart of the Korean stage adaptation of “The Lives of Others,” currently running at the LG Arts Center. Based on Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck’s acclaimed 2006 German film -- which won the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film -- the production marks actor Sohn Sang-gyu’s directorial debut. Set in
Jan. 13, 2025 -
Boulder rhino and penguin take stage after book's success
The last white boulder rhinoceros on Earth and a young penguin hatched from an abandoned egg might seem an unlikely pair to anchor a story. Yet, in the musical adaptation of “The Longest Nights,” their journey in search of an ocean they have never seen leaves audiences rooting for them every step of the way.
Jan. 11, 2025 -
Culture Ministry's 2025 goal: supporting economic recovery, advancing AI content strategy and promoting hallyu
Ministry aims for “Culture for all, a cultural power connecting the world” The Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism announced on Friday that it will implement a series of policies under the theme “culture for all, a cultural power connecting the world” for 2025. With a focus on overcoming domestic and global economic uncertainties through cultural initiatives, the ministry aims to support vulnerable businesses and individuals. Recognizing challenges in the tourism sector, a special loan prog
Jan. 10, 2025 -
Why K-ballet's brightest are gathering in Seoul for professor's retirement
Star-studded gala celebrates legacy of Kim Sun-hee credited with training Korean ballet dancers for the international stage Park Sae-eun, an etoile with the Paris Opera Ballet and the first Asian dancer to be principal dancer at the prestigious company, is among the celebrated performers gathering in Seoul this weekend to honor their mentor, Kim Sun-hee. Ahead of Professor Kim’s retirement from Korea National University of Arts in February, her students -- now prominent figures in the internatio
Jan. 9, 2025 -
Lee Young-ae in talks for stage return after 32 years in 'Hedda Gabler'
Actor Lee Young-ae is in talks to make her stage return in the LG Arts Center’s production of the play "Hedda Gabler." “We are currently discussing Lee Young-ae’s participation in 'Hedda Gabler,' but nothing has been finalized yet,” an LG Arts Center official told The Korea Herald on Thursday. "Hedda Gabler" is scheduled to run from May 7 to June 8 at LG Arts Center Seoul. One of the most renowned works by Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen, the play explores themes of societal expectations and p
Jan. 9, 2025 -
Virtuoso teens lead New Year's concerts
Rising star violinists Kim Seo-hyun and Lee Hyun-jung, and cellist Han Jae-min showcase their extraordinary talent As the new year begins, three of South Korea's major orchestras are set to captivate audiences by featuring teenage prodigies who exemplify how early dedication and exceptional talent can achieve extraordinary results. The Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra, KBS Symphony Orchestra, and Gyeonggi Philharmonic Orchestra will each showcase a rising virtuoso: violinist Kim Seo-hyun, violinist
Jan. 8, 2025 -
Orchestra of Dream performs overseas for first time, opening new world
Korea's 'El Sistema' musicians, music director discuss their experience in Abu Dhabi On Nov. 27, 2024, Orchestra of Dream, consisting of 15 South Korean students, took to a very special stage together with the Abu Dhabi Youth Orchestra at the Blue Hall, located in The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates. It marked the first time a chapter of Orchestra of Dream -- there are 50 local units across South Korea -- and the first time any of its members from Seoul’s central district
Jan. 7, 2025 -
Arete Quartet set to showcase charm of chamber music
Award-winning quartet hopes to broaden strings' reach as Kumho Art Hall‘s first ensemble-in-residence The Arete Quartet, four stars rising together in Korea's chamber music scene, has been named Kumho Art Hall Yonsei’s first-ever ensemble-in-residence. The first ensemble to receive this honor, the quartet expressed hope to broaden the reach of chamber music through the residency. Since its formation in September 2019, the quartet has won multiple prizes at prestigious competitions, including top
Jan. 6, 2025 -
Premieres, beloved classics set for 2025 ballet season
Korean National Ballet, Universal Ballet to perform ‘Giselle’ in April and November, respectively Last year, Korea's ballet scene saw the rise of a new ballet sensation and the reunion of two of the country’s most celebrated ballet stars after a decade. Two major ballet companies -- the Korean National Ballet and Universal Ballet -- have unveiled captivating lineups for this year, suggesting another thrilling year that includes classic favorites, Korean premieres and the return of unique perform
Jan. 6, 2025 -
ARKO Selection kicks off 17th performing arts season
Starting in January, six productions will kick off performances for the 17th edition of Arts Council Korea’s annual performing arts support project, ARKO Selection, featuring 31 new works this year around the Daehangno area. The project, set up to foster creative expression, supports performing arts from theater to musicals, dance, music, opera and traditional Korean arts. Leading the lineup is the musical “Unsung Hero” (Jan. 3–12 at Seokyeong Square), a martial arts fantasy set during the Imjin
Jan. 5, 2025 -
Meet future of Korean classical music
Kumho Cultural Foundation announces this year's 'rising stars' The Kumho Cultural Foundation on Friday announced the five promising musicians selected for its Kumho Rising Star Series in 2025, which presents promising talents likely to lead Korea's classical music scene. This year's edition will feature pianists Kim Song-hyeon and Sun Youl, violinists Park Sue-ye and Kim Seo-hyun, and recorder player Bang Ji-yeon. These rising stars will present their performance in the first quarter of the year
Jan. 3, 2025 -
Classical music scene in Korea this year looks to be a booming one
Stages to feature pianist Lim Yunchan, cellist Choi Ha-young, the Arete Quartet and the music of Mahler South Korea’s classical music scene this year is set to offer an impressive lineup of orchestral performances, renowned soloists and vibrant festivals. Pianist Lim Yun-chan, cellist Choi Ha-young and the Arete Quartet will take center stage, as artists-in-residence at the country's top performing arts organizations. From grand symphonies to intimate recitals, the year promises another rich exp
Jan. 2, 2025 -
Curtain comes down on disgraced 'Again 2024 Turandot'
Troubled run ends in refunds, canceled finale, ongoing disputes Once a highly anticipated opera, "Again 2024 Turandot" will conclude its turbulent run at Coex Monday night, one day earlier than scheduled, marred by controversy, confusion, and criticism. The production company, Again 2024 Turandot, said on Monday that the final performance, originally scheduled for Tuesday, had been canceled due to poor ticket sales. Refunds were issued to ticket holders. Tuesday's show had been planned as a New
Dec. 30, 2024 -
Opera ‘Again 2024 Turandot' conductor steps down following director's departure
-Conductor Carignani says he was ‘left idle for 10 days without fixed schedule’ -Production claims $13.8 million in budget marred by chain of departures Paolo Carignani, one of the three conductors for the grand opera “Again 2024 Turandot,” has withdrawn from the production. This marks the second official withdrawal from the production. On Dec. 21, just nine hours before its opening, Italian opera director Davide Livermore withdrew from the production, citing a dispute over creative direction an
Dec. 29, 2024