First Lineup of 'ARKO SUM FESTA' Announced
Showcasing Dance, Classical Music, Theater, and Ballet Throughout July
The performing arts festival brand 'ARKO SUM FESTA', which encompasses various genres such as theater, dance, music, and traditional arts, announced its first lineup of performances on June 30.
'ARKO SUM FESTA' is a unified festival brand created by 17 festivals nationwide that were selected for the 'Korea Performing Arts Festival' support program run by the Korea Arts Council. The aim is to bring together performing arts festivals that were previously operated individually under one brand and conduct integrated promotion to broaden the connection with audiences.
The first lineup, which will run throughout July, includes four festivals: 'Arts in Tank Dance Festival in Korea', 'July Festival', 'Korea Theater Festival', and 'Busan Ballet Festival'. These festivals will be held in July in locations such as Seoul, Seongnam, Incheon, and Busan.
'Arts in Tank Dance Festival in Korea' (7.1~7.6 / 7.15~7.27)
First, the Arts in Tank Dance Festival in Korea is a global dance festival focused on international collaboration and artistic exchange. Marking its 8th edition this year, dancers from 11 countries including Australia, the United States, and Mexico will participate, presenting both in-person performances and an online dance film festival.
From July 1 to 6, dance performances will be held at the Seongnam Atrium Grand Theater and M Theater. From July 15 to 27, the international dance film festival will be available through the online screening platform. The program features both domestic choreographers such as Shin Changho and the Kim Baekbong Dance Preservation Society, as well as invited international works. Experimental stages such as Music&Digital&Dance (MDD) and an international improvisation collaboration showcase will also be presented.
Summer of Classics 'July Festival' (7.1~7.31)
The July Festival is a classical music festival presented by The House Concert every July. Now in its 13th year, this year's theme is 'Stravinsky and Russian Composers of the 20th Century.' Notably, the opening performance will be led by conductor Baek Yunhak, known as the 'dancing conductor,' who will open the festival with Stravinsky's music theater piece 'The Soldier's Tale.'
Main programs include Stravinsky's signature works such as 'The Soldier's Tale,' 'The Rite of Spring,' and 'The Firebird,' as well as piano and chamber music pieces by Shostakovich, Prokofiev, and Medtner, and lecture concerts. Performances will take place at venues such as the House of Artists, Haman Arts Center, and Yeongdo Arts Center.
'Korea Theater Festival' (7.5~7.27)
Launched in 1983, the Korea Theater Festival is the largest national theater festival in the country. Celebrating its 43rd edition this year, the festival will be held in Incheon. Representative theater troupes from 16 cities and provinces across the country will participate in the finals, alongside a variety of theater events and supplementary programs.
Program names such as 'Opening Port' (opening ceremony), 'Departure' (closing ceremony), and 'Arrival' (final competition) reflect the regional identity of the port city of Incheon. Additional events include 'Paran,' a small theater festival unique to Incheon; 'Lighthouse,' a citizen theater festival; 'New Wave I,' a joint performance with North Macedonia; 'New Wave II,' an international theater forum; and a roundtable discussion with 100 theater professionals. Performances will be held at venues such as the Incheon Arts Center and Seo-gu Arts Center.
'Busan Ballet Festival' (7.24~7.26)
The Busan Ballet Festival is the largest ballet-focused festival outside the Seoul metropolitan area, aiming to create a stage for both citizens and dancers. Now in its 7th year, the festival will feature hobby ballet teams, youth ballet teams, young choreographers, and top-tier dancers all together.
In addition to major performances such as 'Shall We Ballet,' 'Youth Ballet,' 'Dance Wave,' and 'Special Gala,' ballet workshops will also be held. Performances will take place at the Yeongdo Arts Center in Busan from July 24 to 26.
More information about ARKO SUM FESTA can be found on the official website and Instagram.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
