Tenor Ian Bostridge to perform at Seoul Int'l Music Festival

English tenor Ian Bostridge (55·photo) will sing three collection of songs including “Winter Journey,” “The Lovely Milleress” and “Swan Song” in Seoul. Starting with Winter Journey on May 10, “The Lovely Milleress” and “Swan Song” will be performed on May 12 and May 14, respectively, at the IBK chamber hall of Seoul Arts Center. Julius Drake, known as the favorite pianist of vocalists, will accompany him.

Baritone Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau (1925-2012) was known as the king of songs in Germany in the 20th century. His voice was unique rather than traditional, but he was especially good at delicately expressing lyrics. And it is safe to say that Bostridge took over the title of Fischer-Dieskau in the 21st century. In fact, Bostridge made his international debut because of Fischer-Dieskau’s advice.

These prominent musicians will perform at the “Spring Concert” of Seoul International Music Festival, whose theme is “humans and environment.” “The stream in The Lovely Milleress is a friend of poet Wilhelm Müller’s, and winter is hostile to the wanderer in “Winter Journey,” said Bostridge. “In ‘Swan Song,” humans and nature are up against each other. All three songs match the theme of the music festival.”


gustav@donga.com