The boys are back in town with Beethoven

String quartet Novus will give its second concert this month. Provided by the organizer

A sequel to a huge success is always a tough call but Novus Quartet are up for the challenge.

The four young classical musicians making up the string quartet will be holding a concert once again this summer following on from their successful concert last July.

This year the boys have opted for Beethoven’s String Quartet No.15 in A minor Op.132.

“Beethoven’s String Quartet is the ultimate string quartet, something that wouldn’t be easy for a group of young musicians like Novus,” said Lee Sam, one of the organizers of the concert.

Novus Quartet comprises award-winning musicians from the Korea National University of Arts: violinsts Kim Jae-yeong, Kim Yeong-uk, and Noh Hyeon-seok, and cellist Mun Ung-hui. Their average age is 23.

The group only formed in May 2007 but the players have already become the first Koreans to win third prize at the prestigious Osaka International Chamber Music Competition and Festa.

But the quartet hopes that youth (and looks) doesn’t overshadow their musicianship, part of the reason for the Beethoven piece, long considered a classic in classical music.

Other pieces in the repertoire include Hugo Philipp Jakob Wolf’s “Italian Serenade” and Ravel’s string quartet.

Novus performs on June 21 at 7 p.m. at LG Arts Center in southern Seoul. Head to Yeoksam Station, line No. 2, exit 7. Ticket prices start at 20,000 won ($16.04). For reservations, visit http://ticketlink.co.kr or call 1588-7890. For inquiries, contact the organizer at (02) 6372-3242.

By Kim Hyung-eun [hkim@joongang.co.kr]