Les Freres, the Japanese piano duo of brothers Saito Moriya and Saito Keito, will hold a free concert on Nov. 15 at the Jeju Arts Center. Organized by the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province and the Japan Foundation, Les Freres are performing on the 10th anniversary of the opening of the latter’s Seoul office.
Jeju is the last stop on a four city tour, other cites already played are Cheongju, Seoul and Busan. It will be their second performance on Jeju.
Since the formation of the group in September 2002, Les Freres have released three albums, including their successful debut album “Piano Breaker” in 2006. Their concert tour in Korea in 2008 and Europe in 2010 included many sell out performances.
The brothers have a special style of piano playing called Quatre Mains, “four hands.” This is a challenging method where two people play one piano side-by-side, sometimes crossing their hands on the keyboard.
Another interesting fact is that the brothers have different music styles. Elder brother Moriya, who started learning piano at age 12, prefers mainly ballads. In contrast, Keito, who began piano at age six, specializes in the blues genre called boogie-woogie, which has an infectious rhythm that makes people want to get up and dance.
The two different styles are mysteriously harmonized into Les Freres’ own special blend of music.
Last month that musical style amazed the Korean TV audience when they appeared on the hit show Star King, which brings people with special talents to the small screen.
This one-night performance by Les Freres is tonight at 7 p.m. at the Jeju Arts Center in Jeju City. Tickets are free, but seating is first-come first-served. <Jeju Weekly>
<Kim Jung Lim supuleit@jejuweekly.comⓒ Jeju Weekly All rights reserved>
