Korean top singer Seo Tai-ji will be back on stage after his successful rock festival, but this time with a more classical crowd. The ``Culture President,'' as many call him, will hold a special concert with maestro Tolga Kashif and the celebrated Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Sept. 27.

The press conference for ``The Great 2008 Seotaiji Symphony with Tolga Kashif & Royal Philharmonic Orchestra'' already made headlines for being held at Deoksu Palace, the first time for a local singer.

Hoards of fans waited in the sizzling sun Friday for the singer and the maestro, many screaming as the two artists arrived at the venue, right in front of one of the palace's buildings.

``I always wanted to work with a celebrated arranger and an orchestra. I was a big fan of Kashif for a long time and it was me who contacted him first for this special concert,'' Seo said.

Kashif is a celebrated musical conductor, composer and arranger who has worked with some of the most famous stars in the world, including David Bowie, Elton John and U2. The maestro also arranged the ``Queen Symphony'' based on the celebrated band's music.

``I love Seo. Music is for the heart and his music hit my heart. He has a great talent in making melodies and not many artists can (do that). I was attracted to his wonderful and strong melodies and it's a great honor to be here,'' Kashif said.

The concert will offer Seo's well-known songs blended into classical tunes played by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

Kashif offered some songs he and Seo have been working on for the past couple of months after the Q & A session, and received a hearty applause from fans. The crowd screamed and clapped as the maestro played the familiar melodies of Seo's songs.

``I like to improvise, although it's quite scary (to do so). I try not to make it too obvious. It's nice to find other textures in music,'' he said after the short performance.

``At the end of the day its very simple as long as music is enjoyable. We will offer the full palette of the orchestra and a truthful rendition of songs. I really hope you enjoy our concert. We have got something very special to offer to you together. It will be something quite different,'' he added.

``The Great 2008 Seotaiji Symphony with Tolga Kashif & Royal Philharmonic Orchestra'' will be held at the Seoul World Cup Stadium Sept. 27. For more information visit www.stjsymphony.com .

Korean Singer Close Up: Seo Tai-ji

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Name: Seo Tai-ji, 서태지
Real name: 정현철, 鄭鉉哲 (Jeong Hyeon-cheol)
Also known as: Taiji
Date of Birth: February 21, 1972
Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea