Eighth Army celebrates holidays at annual concert

By Pfc. Hong Joon-sung, Eighth Army Public AffairsDecember 20, 2010

Eighth Army celebrates holidays at annual concert
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

SEOUL - South Korean and American sevicemembers and families celebrated the holidays at the Korea-America Friendship Holiday Concert here at the Seoul Performing Arts Center Dec. 19.

Eighth Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. John D. Johnson welcomed the audience in Korean to the world-class music venue.

The audience observed a moment of silence for those killed during Yeonpyeong Island and ROK Ship Cheonan attacks.

During the first half of the concert, the 8th Army Band played many classical and popular songs, including Tchaikovsky pieces from the Nutcracker.

Conducted by 8th Army Band Commander Chief Warrant Officer 4 Dewayne Kendricks, the band played together with members of the Republic of Korea Ministry of National Defense Band.

In the second half, the Prima Donna Ensemble, which consists of 85 female vocal professors and concert singers, performed everything from opera songs to Christmas carols.

The concert ended with the 8th Army Band and Prima Donna Ensemble performing together.

"Music is a universal language that helps us to share the joy of the holiday season with our Korean friends," Johnson wrote in the concert program, adding the 8th Army Band and Prima Donna Ensemble "personify the pride and professionalism of the ROK-U.S. Alliance."

Related Links:

Eighth Army Web site