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Korea Herald
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Seoul Metropolitan Traditional Orchestra appoints its first-ever composers-in-residence
In a milestone move marking its 60th anniversary, the Seoul Metropolitan Traditional Orchestra announced Thursday the appointment of three composers — Kim Hyun-seop, Lee Go-woon and Lee Hanurij — as its first-ever composers-in-residence. This is the first time the orchestra has introduced a residency program for composers. The initiative aims to foster long-term, collaborative partnerships with composers, enabling the creation of a sustainable repertoire. Among the three appointees, teenage composer Lee Hanurij stands out as a rising star in the classical music scene. Born in 2006, he became the youngest-ever winner in the composition category of the Joongang Music Concours last year and also took top honors at the Bartok World Competition in Hungary. Currently studying at the Korea National University of Arts (K-Arts), he gained wider recognition after being commissioned by pianist Lim Yunchan to compose the piano solo piece "Round and Velvety-Smooth Blend." His first orchestral work for traditional Korean instruments is set to premiere Thursday at Sejong Center. 'As composer-in-residence, I hope to explore the broader possibilities of Korean traditional music and seek new sonic directions,' Lee said in a statement. Kim Hyun-seob, another appointee, is currently the artistic director of the Hwaseong City Arts Group's traditional music ensemble. His works are rooted in Korean musical traditions. Lee Go-woon also draws from traditional Korean music and has collaborated with various ensembles, including the National Orchestra of Korea and the Gyeonggi Sinawi Orchestra of Korea. The three composers will participate in a range of projects, including regular concerts and chamber music series, beginning this month. Their appointments have no fixed term. New works by Kim Hyun-seob and Lee Go-woon will be unveiled in November, while Lee Hanurij's next composition is slated for April 2026. Lee Seung-hweon, director of the SMTO, expressed high hopes for the new initiative. 'Their music will be featured frequently in upcoming concerts,' he said. 'We expect this collaboration to not only enhance the orchestra's growth but also have a groundbreaking impact on the field of traditional Korean orchestral music.' hwangdh@
Korea Herald
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Interview: In 'Life of Ballerino,' men dance their dazzles and struggles
Male dancers from 'Stage Fighter' step into the spotlight with 'Life of Ballerino' It felt more like a K-pop concert. With every leap and turn, cheers erupted from the audience, applause ringing out as if they were watching their favorite idols on stage. But this wasn't a pop spectacle — it was a ballet. That kind of visceral reaction is rare in the world of classical ballet. Yet a handful of male dancers from Mnet's hit dance survival show 'Stage Fighter' have not only broken through, but in doing so, have drawn renewed attention to the artistry and presence of the ballerino. And at just the right moment, the show's ballet mentor, dancer-turned-choreographer Ryu Hoi-woong, brought together five performers from the show — Kang Gyeong-ho, Kim Kyung-won, Kim Tae-seok, Shin Min-kwon and Jung Sung-wook — all alumni of Korea National University of Arts, also known as K-Arts. Along with some 20 other dancers from the K-Arts Ballet Company, they took the stage in 'Life of Ballerino: Dreamer,' earlier in June at the Seoul Arts Center as part of the Ballet Festival Korea. When most people think of ballet, Ryu noted, they picture tutus and pointe shoes — a ballerina balanced en pointe, held aloft by her male counterpart. But 'Life of Ballerino' challenges that narrative. Here, the men step out from the wings. The spotlight, for once, is theirs. 'When I first created this piece, I simply wanted to tell our story — the story of ballerinos. We prepare for the stage with just as much passion and discipline as ballerinas, and I wanted that to be visible here,' said Ryu, speaking to The Korea Herald. Tracing the journey of ballerinos in pursuit of their dreams, the performance opens in the rehearsal studio, with dancers gripping the barre, then unfolds through a series of loosely structured yet theatrically driven episodes. The storyline is simple, accessible, and crafted with wit and clarity to engage audiences new to ballet. 'My top priority was making the story approachable. I didn't want first-time balletgoers to sit there thinking, 'What is this? What does it mean?' I wanted them to understand intuitively, and to feel, 'Hey, this isn't so different from our own lives.'' The ballet dazzles with a large ensemble of male dancers performing high-energy group choreography, technical solos showcasing a variety of jumps and turns, and a buoyant, energetic tone throughout. Several scenes highlight how a five-minute competition score can determine everything — from university admission to military service. That sense of relatability deeply resonated with the young dancers themselves. '(Dancers) really give it their all. They love the piece because there's no single lead; it's all of us dancing together. Even if someone makes a mistake, we say, 'Hey, that's part of the story too.'' Originally premiered in 2019 as a small-scale production, 'Life of Ballerino' is a rare example of an original ballet that has evolved into a sustained repertory piece with growing popularity, according to BAFEKO. It was restaged as a 60-minute piece at the CJ Towol Theater in 2023 and this year was selected for the festival's official program. Ryu, who had been a member of the Korean National Ballet in his mid-20s, left the company in 2008 when he was cast in his dream role as the magical cat Mr. Mistoffelees in the musical 'Cats.' While performing the role in 2008–09 and again in 2011, he steadily built his career as a choreographer. 'I never imagined ballet would stay with me this long,' he said. 'Honestly, I didn't have a long career as a ballerino — I even quit ballet at one point. But somehow, I keep coming back. I'm choreographing, teaching, working on my own projects. It's a bit amusing how things have turned out.' Ballet, for Ryu, has become like an old friend. 'It's definitely my best friend. Like visiting your parents' house, you might leave, but you always come back. Sometimes you argue, sometimes you drift apart, but in the end, it's always there when you need it.' And from that friendship, new works are born. This October, Ryu will premiere a new choreography with the Seoul Metropolitan Ballet, featured in a double bill alongside Hans van Manen. 'I'm not someone who waits around worrying about the outcome or how people will judge. Instead, I think, 'Let's just try it.' Because of that, I tend to be the type to move forward,' said Ryu. 'Life as a ballerino is short, and the time to shine is limited, which is why taking chances and embracing the moment is so important.' hwangdh@
Korea Herald
16-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
KNUA Symphony Orchestra to perform at Abu Dhabi Festival
The Korea National University of Arts Symphony Orchestra has been invited to perform at the 2025 Abu Dhabi Festival, one of the Middle East's most prominent performing arts events, according to the country's top art school, also known as K-Arts, Wednesday. The orchestra, composed of students from the university's School of Music will participate in two concerts: a standalone performance Friday and a collaborative gala Sunday, featuring conductor Toufic Maatouk, tenor Javier Camarena and soprano Jessica Pratt. Under the baton of honorary professor and conductor Chung Chi-yong, Friday's concert will open with four orchestral excerpts from 'Princess Bari,' a large-scale ballet score by Korean composer Lee Geon-yong. Based on a Korean folktale, the piece will introduce the sounds of traditional Korean instruments to audiences in the Middle East. The program continues with Brahms' Double Concerto in A minor, performed by violinist Wee Jae-won, the silver medalist at the 2021 George Enescu International Competition, and cellist Park Sang-hyeok, who won third prize at the 2023 Tchaikovsky Competition. The performance concludes with Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 4. In preparation for this week's concerts in Abu Dhabi of the United Arab Emirates, the KNUA Symphony Orchestra held a preview concert in March and presented the same program Monday at the Lotte Concert Hall in Seoul. Founded in 1993, the KNUA Symphony Orchestra has performed at major venues in Korea and abroad. In 2023, the orchestra was the featured guest ensemble at the Beethoven Easter Festival in Poland. 'This is the first time a Korean university orchestra has been invited to the Abu Dhabi Festival and it is a great honor,' said Lee Kang-ho, dean of the K-Arts School of Music. 'We expect it to be a meaningful opportunity to showcase the excellence of Korea's young classical musicians.' The Abu Dhabi Festival, established in 2004 by the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation, is one of the Middle East's most prestigious cultural events. Held annually in the UAE capital, the festival showcases a diverse array of performances, exhibitions and educational programs.
