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Ahn Eun-me unveils bold interpretation of Asia with ‘Post-Orientalist Express’
Choreographer Ahn Eun-me, long celebrated as a one-of-a-kind force in Korean contemporary dance, will premiere her latest production, "Post-Orientalist Express," at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts' M Theater on May 2-4. A vibrant culmination of her yearslong exploration of Asian identities, "Post-Orientalist Express" marks the final chapter in Ahn’s ambitious “Asia Project,” which began in 2018. The 62-year-old choreographer, whose flamboyant style and boundary-pushing vision have defi
April 15, 2025 -
Roberto Abbado appointed next artistic director of National Symphony Orchestra
Italian maestro Roberto Abbado, who has captivated Korean audiences through two previous collaborations with the Korean National Symphony Orchestra, will officially assume the role of KNSO artistic director starting January 2026, the orchestra announced Tuesday. He will succeed Belgian conductor David Reiland, who has held the post since 2020. Abbado, 70, was appointed for a three-year term as the orchestra’s eighth artistic director. He previously led the KNSO in Bellini’s “Norma” in 2023, whic
April 15, 2025 -
Ambassador Al-Hamar on 50 years of Qatar-Korea relations and Qatar’s cultural diplomacy
The recent performance by the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra in Seoul was more than an evening of music — it was a vivid expression of the deepening cultural dialogue between Qatar and Korea. Held in celebration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations, the concert struck a symbolic high note in a year filled with cross-cultural engagement. Khalid Ebrahim Al-Hamar, ambassador of the State of Qatar to Korea, described the event as a bridge between two cultures — one t
April 15, 2025 -
Singapore’s leading dance company blurs borders, boundaries with ‘Infinitely Closer’ in Seoul
As Singapore and South Korea mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year, the Singapore Embassy in Seoul, in collaboration with Singapore’s Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) and the National Arts Council has turned to the arts to underscore the two countries' enduring ties. On April 24, Singapore’s leading contemporary dance company, T.H.E Dance Company, will bring its groundbreaking production “Infinitely Closer” to Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, offering a
April 14, 2025 -
Seoul Spring Chamber Music Festival celebrates 20 years of resilience, growth
This spring marks the 20th anniversary of the Seoul Spring Chamber Music Festival, known as the SSF, a milestone that reflects not only the event’s resilience despite challenges but its quiet influence on Korea’s chamber music scene. Founded in 2006 by renowned violinist Kang Dong-suk with support from the Seoul Metropolitan Government, the SSF emerged in a musical landscape that lacked long-term, stable platforms for chamber music. Two decades later, it remains Korea’s only enduring chamber mus
April 14, 2025 -
Infinite proves its enduring power with 15th anniversary concert
Veteran boy band Infinite wrapped up its 15th debut anniversary tour with a grand finale, promising an even greater future with its fans. Infinite held encore performances Saturday and Sunday for its 15th debut anniversary concert at the Inspire Arena in Yeongjongdo, Incheon, attended by 20,000 fans who, over the two days, braved the stormy weather to see Infinite onstage. After kicking off "Limited Edition" in Seoul last December, Infinite went on to perform 13 shows in eight cities including T
April 14, 2025 -
National Contemporary Dance Company heads to Europe with 'Jungle'
The Korea National Contemporary Dance Company will embark on a European tour this May with "Jungle," choreographed by the company’s artistic director, Kim Sung-yong. The first stop is Stockholm, where the piece will be performed May 4 at the Oscar Theater to mark the second anniversary of the Korean Cultural Center in Sweden. In London, Jungle will open the 8th edition of A Festival of Korean Dance, taking place May 7-8. The annual event is co-hosted by the Korean Cultural Center UK and contempo
April 13, 2025 -
Actor Chae Si-ra steps on stage as dancer in 'Pure Heart'
Veteran actor Chae Si-ra, celebrating her 40th year in entertainment, is making an unexpected return to the stage -- as a dancer. Chae will appear in a special role in "Pure Heart," a new traditional dance production by the National Jeongdong Theater, running May 8 to June 28 at Jeongdong Theater in central Seoul. "Pure Heart" sheds light on the classic Korean pansori folktale "Simcheong-ga," in which the heroine, Sim Cheong, sacrifices herself so her blind father can see and ventures into the u
April 13, 2025 -
Lee Seung-yoon ready for overseas stages
Iconic singer-songwriter to perform in Taipei, Czech Republic Singer-songwriter Lee Seung-yoon, loved for his electrifying stage presence and philosophical, poetic lyrics, is now venturing beyond Korea to reach a global audience. Having earned a steady following performances at a variety of music festivals, Lee kicked off the 2025 festival season late last month at The Glow 2025 in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province. Lee is set to appear at several major domestic festivals in the coming months, including
April 10, 2025 -
April in Seoul a time for classical music
Two leading spring festivals -- Orchestra Festival and Seoul Spring Festival of Chamber Music -- shine in the capital Classical music takes center stage in Seoul this month with two standout festivals: the Seoul Arts Center’s Orchestra Festival and the Seoul Spring Festival of Chamber Music. The Orchestra Festival brings together 18 symphony orchestras from across the country in one place while the Seoul Spring Festival of Chamber Music celebrates its 20th anniversary. Seoul Arts Center's Orches
April 9, 2025 -
James Blake to perform in Korea in July
Singer-songwriter unlimited by genre to thrill Korean music fans James Blake, the British producer and singer-songwriter known for mastering diverse genres ranging from electronica to hip-hop, is returning to Korea for the first time in six years. Concert promoter Private Curve announced that James Blake will perform July 24 at Yes 24 Live Hall in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul. This marks his first performance in Korea since 2019's Holiday Land Festival, and his first solo concert in the country in 11 year
April 9, 2025 -
Tongyeong music festival sets eyes beyond Korea
TONGYEONG, South Gyeongsang Province -- When the Tongyeong International Music Festival (TIMF) was first imagined, it was little more than a hopeful vision on the southern coast of Korea -- a dream of celebrating contemporary music in a city once home to late composer Isang Yun. Now, over two decades later, the festival has become a cultural landmark. This year’s edition, held under the theme “Journey Inwards,” wrapped up its 10-day run on Sunday, led by its artistic director, Chin Unsuk, and pi
April 8, 2025 -
Coldplay pop-up store to open alongside concerts
Part of proceeds will be donated to local non-profit organization that supports hard of hearing Britpop band Coldplay is set to offer fans a range of special experiences with its highly anticipated concerts in Korea and a dedicated pop-up store. According to Warner Music Korea, the “Coldplay Moon Music Seoul Pop-up” will run from April 10 to 27 at The Hyundai Seoul in Yeouido. The pop-up celebrates Coldplay’s long-awaited return to Korea — eight years after its first concert in the country in 20
April 8, 2025 -
K-pop guitar bands to hit the stage
OneWe, Xdinary Heroes and Day6 headed for international tours K-pop's guitar bands are thriving like never before, with concerts and tours being announced one after another. OneWe, a five-piece group known for its emotional melodies, kicked off its first North American tour on Sunday. Starting in Orlando, the band will perform in 20 cities across North America, including Washington, New York, Boston, Toronto, Detroit, Chicago, Los Angeles, Seattle and Vancouver. The Orlando and Boston shows have
April 6, 2025 -
This spring’s most evocative musicals
'Red Cliff,' 'Once' and 'L'art reste': An epic to feel, a song to sing and a life to tell "Red Cliff" - An epic to feel “Red Cliff” is a vivid combination of pansori, dance and theatrical storytelling. While technically categorized as a musical, it defies conventional boundaries -- too layered, too textured, too rooted in tradition to be simply labeled. Now in its sixth run since its premier in 2017, “Red Cliff” unfolds the legendary tale of the Battle of Red Cliffs, a pivotal naval conflict dur
April 5, 2025