'Blue House Concert' to take place in September

The 2023 Blue House Concert will take place on Sept. 9 and 10 at the former presidential office’s heliport in Jongno District, central Seoul. [MINISTRY OF CULTURE, SPORTS AND TOURISM]

The 2023 Blue House Concert will take place on Sept. 9 and 10 at the former presidential office’s heliport in Jongno District, central Seoul, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said Monday.

The two-day concert will feature the Korean National Symphony Orchestra (KNSO) and Korea National Opera.

“This year marks the second fall since the Blue House has returned to the arms of the public,” Culture Minister Park Bo-gyoon said in a press release. “The 2023 Blue House Concert will be a special gift as it blends together the charming autumn view of the Blue House with the beautiful melodies of K-classical music.”

On Sept. 9, starting at 7:30 p.m., conductor Hong Seok-won of the Gwangju Symphony Orchestra will lead the KNSO. There will also be a special performance by girl group Mamamoo’s Solar and Moonbyul.

On Sept. 10, starting at 5 p.m., famed opera singers Samuel Youn, Lee A-kyeong, Yang Jun-mo and Rim Sae-kyung will take the stage. The Korean Adopted Children’s Choir will also perform with the KNSO.

Theater director Yang Jung-woong will take the helm of the 2023 Blue House Concert. Yang previously directed the opening ceremony of the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics and the play “Faust.”

The concert is free to anyone who books in advance. Reservations start on Wednesday at 10 a.m., and one person is allowed up to four tickets. For more information, visit Interpark.

BY SHIN MIN-HEE [shin.minhee@joongang.co.kr]