Yang Yo-seob to perform in Sumi Jo’s upcoming concert

World-renowned soprano Sumi Jo will be joined by K-pop group BEAST member Yang Yo-seob at her outdoor concerts to be held in Olympic Park, Seoul, on Sept. 14 and 15.

The concert, titled “La Fantasia,” is not a typical classical concert: It will take place at Olympic Park’s 88 Lakeside Stage, where audiences will be able to listen to the coloratura’s lyrical melodies under a moonlit autumn sky.

The audience will be able to enjoy an interesting mix of performances by not only prominent classical musicians but also by young hallyu singer Yang, who was reportedly hand-picked by Jo herself. 

Yang, 24, debuted in 2009 with the group BEAST and quickly gained recognition for his vocal skills. BEAST recently released their sophomore album “Hard to Love, How to Love” with hit title track “Shadow,” stirring fans around the world. After rumors of a solo album from Yang last year, he finally released his first solo album, “The First Collage” in November 2012, selling more than 50,000 albums to date.

Also performing in “La Fantasia” are violist Richard Yongjae O’Neill and Vocal Ensemble Rottini. The rising conductor Ariel Kim will lead the Ditto Orchestra in a program that includes a unique mix of genres such as classical, pop, musical, and movie soundtracks.

Some of the songs included in the program are Ennio Morricone’s “Nella Fantasia,” Gershwin’s “I Got Rhythm,” Dmitri Shostakovich’s “Waltz No. 2,” and John Williams’ “Star Wars.”

“La Fantasia” this autumn is the fourth in the Park Concert series since its inception in 2010 with the BBC Symphony Orchestra. Sumi Jo Park Concert took place in 2011, selling out all seats in a matter of days, and in 2012 Piano Paradiso opened with Yuhki Kuramoto, Steve Barakatt, and Yiruma among the noted pianists performing in the program.

Ticket prices range from 30,000 won to 80,000 won while family seats for four cost 200,000 won. Inquiries and ticket purchases can be made at www.clubbalcony.com or 1577-5266.

By Cha Yo-rim (yorimcha@heraldcorp.com)