#la view

Dinner with a view

Los Angeles, CA 

Just when I thought the likes of Il Divo is old, came South Korea’s newest crossover quartet, La Poem.  As the winner of JTBC’s Phantom Singer 3, the group is set to conquer crossover music anew. This introduction is way behind, my apologies for getting hooked with the show lately, as it ended last July.

La Poem is a combination of La Bohème and the word, poem. The winning quartet is the first crossover group in the world with a countertenor.  I think it’s also the first in their country, if I’m not mistaken, with all members having classical/formal voice education up their sleeves.  Here are the voices behind the quartet:

Yoo Chae-Hoon, 32 (tenor)

The Hanyang University alumnus stands as the big brother/leader of La Poem, and labels himself as the Legendary Tenor. He was seen on stage and in television shows, but being part of the winning quartet is his major break to prove his innate passion in singing.

Choi Sung-Hoon, 31 (countertenor)

Some say he is the voice the world couldn’t find.  After earning a degree in Korea National University of Arts, he further studied in France then moved to Switzerland for his master’s degree. He has been active as an opera singer in Europe before auditioning for Phantom Singer. And did I mention he is La Poem’s Mascot!!

Jeong Min-Seong, 29 (baritone)

The self-confessed “cute” baritone (hehe, I do agree!) was in Germany for his graduate studies when he auditioned for Phantom Singer.  He did hope to become part of the winning quartet, knowing the title can help him unfold a new chapter in his singing career.  He is also generous to inject humor in the group especially with his imitiation of Doraemon’s speaking voice!  Seriously, Min-Seong has the tenderness in his voice that endears him to the audience, and is known as the voice that completes La Poem.

Park Ki-Hun, 26 (tenor)

As another tenor in the group, he is distinguished as the Fiery Tenor or simply put, the Flame Tenor. I’m sure you’ll know why!  The smallest and the youngest member, but not when it comes to vocal power, confidently sang the popular Nessun Dorma during the show’s solo preliminary round and earned the nod of one of the judges, the classical pianist, Ji-Yong. The introverted Ki-Hun can also be funny and is sure to create a lighter mood among the group.

La Poem has finished its numerous Phantom Singer 3 concert tours and just recently capped off a classical performance in Seoul Arts Center. It is set to take-off with a new album come December. 

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