Underneath the hovering ceiling of Lotte Live performance Corridor in Seoul’s Songpa District on Monday night, three of Korea’s best vocalists gathered for an evening of theatrical brilliance. The Korea Instances marked its seventy fifth anniversary with its gala live performance, “The Musical.”
Guided by veteran music director and conductor Kolleen Park, soprano Kang Hye-jung and musical theater stars Michael Okay. Lee and Choi Jae-rim turned the night time right into a sweeping celebration of theatrical artistry and the newspaper’s lasting legacy.
Anticipation was palpable lengthy earlier than the curtain rose, as concertgoers — some affiliated with the English day by day however many merely drawn by the promise of nice music — started crowding the gates hours forward of showtime.
Conductor Kolleen Park leads the Excessive Tone Symphony Orchestra at “The Musical,” a gala celebrating The Korea Instances’ 75-year historical past, at Lotte Live performance Corridor in southern Seoul, Monday. Korea Instances photograph by Choi Gained-suk
Because the Excessive Tone Symphony Orchestra opened the efficiency with the “Titanic Suite,” Kang appeared in a inexperienced robe, the newspaper’s symbolic shade, her crystalline voice filling the corridor as she sang “My Coronary heart Will Go On.” The opening unfolded like a historical past of contemporary musicals, with Broadway ardour meet orchestral splendor.
Lee first took the stage for “Out There” from “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” his brilliant, impassioned tone hovering by means of the corridor. His many years of Broadway expertise confirmed in his mixture of vocal management and confidence, and his closing be aware drew a burst of applause.
“It is an honor to be a part of this particular celebration marking The Korea Instances’ seventy fifth anniversary,” the musical star mentioned after his efficiency. “I actually hope that this new chapter past the 75-year mark will open the way in which to even higher goals and momentum.”
Musical actor Michael Okay. Lee performs throughout “The Musical” at Lotte Live performance Corridor in Seoul’s Songpa District, Monday. Korea Instances photograph by Shim Hyun-chul
Choi introduced actual hearth and keenness to his efficiency, delivering every line of “Into the Fireplace” from “The Scarlet Pimpernel” like a name to arms, his deep, commanding tone powered by the orchestra’s driving rhythm. Later, in “Carry Me Giants” from Frank Wildhorn’s “Cyrano de Bergerac,” he turned that very same depth inward.
“I am each thrilled and grateful to be performing in such a conventional acoustic corridor once more,” Choi mentioned. “I selected ‘Into the Fireplace’ desirous about how The Korea Instances, all through its 75-year journey, has all the time superior with the identical fearless spirit, entering into the flames to maneuver ahead.”
Kang and Choi’s duet of “Earlier than and After You” and “One Second and a Million Miles” from “The Bridges of Madison County” stood out as one of many night time’s most shifting performances. Their chemistry felt nearly cinematic, their harmonies blurring the road between efficiency and confession.
Musical actor Choi Jae-rim performs throughout “The Musical” at Lotte Live performance Corridor in southern Seoul, Monday. Korea Instances photograph by Shim Hyun-chul
Because the applause light, Kang returned for “Oh My Love” from the musical “Anna Karenina.” Her voice traced the outlines of heartbreak with beautiful management, the corridor falling into reverent silence as her closing be aware lingered within the air.
Regardless of the nonstop tempo, the live performance by no means misplaced its pressure, every quantity assembly the following with equal energy and conviction.
Choi reappeared with “Bear in mind” from the movie “Troy.” The viewers leaned in as his voice swelled with the music. Lee returned with “You Should Love Me” from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Evita,” during which he’s starring at present, singing with understated sorrow slightly than grandeur.
Lee and Choi sang collectively once more for “Lily’s Eyes” from “The Secret Backyard,” their voices intertwining in grief and longing, the singers speaking emotion by means of sheer vocal prowess.
Soprano Kang Hye-jung, left, and musical actor Choi Jae-rim carry out “Barcelona” by Freddie Mercury and Montserrat Caballé throughout “The Musical” at Lotte Live performance Corridor in southern Seoul, Monday. Korea Instances photograph by Shim Hyun-chul
The finale, “Barcelona” by Freddie Mercury and Montserrat Caballé, exploded with vocal shade. Kang’s operatic brightness and Choi’s thunderous resonance collided, soared and at last fused in a triumphant and joyful shut. When the final chord landed, the corridor erupted into cheers, whistles and an extended ovation.
All through the night, Park served as a quiet architect, shaping the tempo and cueing entrances with precision. Her command made the transitions between sweeping symphonic grandeur and intimate, chamber-like focus seamless.
As the gang spilled into the chilly November night time, traces of melody adopted as somebody softly hummed the “Titanic Suite” whereas one other laughed that it was “the primary live performance I’ve stayed awake by means of from begin to end.”
“It was such a delight. I am unable to consider it is a Monday. My ears really feel blessed,” Lee, a girl in her 40s, mentioned after the present. “I am grateful to The Korea Instances for bringing collectively these superb artists.”
From left, musical actor Michael Okay. Lee, conductor Kolleen Park, soprano Kang Hye-jung, and actor Choi Jae-rim tackle the gang throughout “The Musical,” a gala live performance celebrating The Korea Instances’ seventy fifth anniversary at Lotte Live performance Corridor in Seoul’s Songpa District, Monday. Korea Instances photograph by Choi Gained-suk
