The 4th Korea International Wind Band Festival kicks off Aug. 25 with a grand opening ceremony at Gwanghwamun Plaza in Seoul.

Under the slogan “Dynamic Korea,” the festival will feature bands and ensembles from Korea as well as abroad, with a select number of special invitees including world-renowned conductor Philippe Langlet and president of World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles Bert Alders.

The opening ceremony for the festival will feature performances by Jeju Provincial Seogwipo Wind Orchestra and several marching bands, including those from Chung-Ang University and the military. Also included in the opening program is a trumpet performance by notable Peabody Institute professor Joe Burgstaller.

The festival will continue through Sept. 1 at venues throughout Seoul, including Gwanghwamun Plaza, Seoul Arts Center Concert Hall, Bundang Central Park, Seoul Kyoyuk Munhwa Theater, Seoul Arts Center IBK Chamber Hall, and Jamsil Olympic Indoor Stadium.

“Music is a universal language,” the chairperson of the 3rd Korea International Wind Band Festival Organizing Committee stated, adding, “I hope this festival becomes a festival where all nations can come together in an atmosphere of harmony and unity.”

What makes this year’s festival unique is that “I Am a Singer” Season II’s So Hyang and artist Outsider, known for his rapid-fire rapping, will also be performing alongside prominent classical artists. So Hyang will perform in the opening ceremony, while Outsider will be performing on the last day of the festival.

The Marching Day closing ceremony for the festival will be a truly international affair, with the participation of marching bands from Capitol Normal University in China, Kobe Kouryo Gakuen High School in Japan, and Cuhk Faa Thomas Cheung Secondary School in Hong Kong alongside performers young and old, such as Euna Kindergarten Marching Band from Korea.

There will also be a special educational concert offering a master class for flute and trumpet with lecturers Michael Moragues and Joe Burgstaller, respectively. There will also be a band clinic lecture by Bert Aalders.

The Artistic Concert held on Aug. 27-30 as well as Marching Day held on Sept. 1 will all have an admission fee, but other performances are free of charge. For indoor venues, reservations are necessary since seating is limited. For seating reservations and inquiries, go to www.windband.co.kr or call (02) 516-1245.

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