BAYREUTH, Germany (AFP) ― An Israeli orchestra made history Tuesday by performing a concert in Bayreuth, the spiritual home of Hitler’s favorite composer Richard Wagner, and received a standing ovation. “It was a joy for us to play Wagner here,” Roberto Paternostro, the conductor of the Israel Chamber Orchestra, said after the first-ever performance by an ensemble from the country in this southe...

S.M. Entertainment chief suggests using advertising to enable free downloads Lee Soo-man, chairman of S.M. Entertainment, said Wednesday although K-pop is increasingly popular around the world, it needs a strong boost in the local market first, to further advance to the next level. The local music market needs a new digital music distribution platform ― an iTunes-like one or an entirely differe...

LONDON (AFP) ― The family and close friends of British soul singer Amy Winehouse were Tuesday set to hold a private funeral after a post-mortem failed to establish a cause of the 27-year-old’s death. A family spokesman said the ceremony for the troubled diva, who was found dead at her London home on Saturday, will be confined to family and close friends. He did not disclose the location or the t...

PARIS (AP) ― Jazz great Herbie Hancock wants his music to build bridges between cultures, a mission that fits perfectly with his new role as a U.N. cultural ambassador promoting peace through culture and education. The 71-year-old ― imbued with boundless energy, curiosity and cool-cat poise ―is a natural for the job. His “The Imagine Project” album is a multicultural potpourri featuring collabor...

When nine-member female pop group Girls’ Generation had their first solo concert in Korea in December 2009, the members on stage felt somewhat nervous and awkward with each other’s moves. A year and a half later, the group’s international fame has helped them learn how to manage a big stage through numerous concerts around the world and members of the group have reached a point where they enjoy ...

LONDON (AP) -- Few artists summed up their own career in a single song _ a single line -- as well as Amy Winehouse. ``They tried to make me go to rehab,'' she sang on her world-conquering 2006 single, ``Rehab.'' ``I said 'No, no no.''' In this Aug. 5, 2007 file photo, British singer Amy Winehouse performs at Lollapalooza at Grant Park in Chicago. The singer was found dead Saturday, July 23, 201...

“2PM Hands Up Asia Tour”: Six-member idol group 2PM will hold its 2011 Asia Tour, starting from a Seoul concert in September. The upcoming concert in Seoul will be the act’s second solo concert in Korea and it will take place at the Jamsil Gymnasium on Sept. 2-3. The group’s Asia tour will continue through November. Making a comeback with the song “Hands Up,” the group topped online and offline ...

“Great Mountains Music Festival & School”: The 8th Great Mountains Music Festival & School will take place from July 24 to Aug. 13 at the Alpensia resort in Gangwon Province, gathering renowned and rising artists for 55 programs and master classes. The focus this year will be showcasing final works of great composers when they were grappling with age or illness. Under the theme “Illumination,” t...

“The Great Battle of Hansan Festival 2011”: The Great Battle of Hansan (1592) is one of the four most famous sea battles in the history of Korea. Visitors to the festival, which celebrates the anniversary of the great event, will learn all about the battle while enjoying the beautiful natural scenery of Tongyeong in South Gyeongsang Province. This year, the festival will take place from Aug. 10 ...

“The Three Musketeers”: The musical “The Three Musketeers,” for which the tickets were completely sold out in last year’s run, is back this year for only nine days. Based on Alexandre Dumas’ novel, the musical, set in 17th century France, tells stories about the adventures of D’Artagnan and the three musketeers ― Athos, Porthos, and Aramis. Actors of the Korea premiere in 2009, including Yoo Jun...

“Suspicious Paradise”: The dance show is inspired by the Demilitarized Zone, which looks like a paradise with untouched nature but is also a place deeply scarred by the Korean War. Organized by Korea National Contemporary Dance Company, it aims to offer a fresh experience to the younger generation who not know much about the war. It will run from Aug. 5 to 7 at Seoul Arts Center’s Towol Center i...

Ashton Shepherd “Where Country Grows” MCA With her 2008 debut, “Sounds So Good,” Ashton Shepherd offered a down-home contrast to contemporary country music. Like a Loretta Lynn for modern times, she flashed a feisty attitude and an unfiltered country twang that made Miranda Lambert sound uptown. The album drew critical praise, but little radio attention and disappointing sales. With her secon...