SJF at the Theater, Kings of Convenience

[ABOUT THE PERFORMANCE] Performance planning company Private Curve is presenting the concert series "SJF at the Theater" for the first time at the Seoul Arts Center Grand Theater in November. SJF at the Theater is an expanded concert series of the Seoul Jazz Festival (SJF), Korea's leading music festival held every spring. It brings the sensibility of the spring outdoor festival to an autumn theater-style venue, offering a more profound performance experience. The Seoul Arts Center Grand Theater is particularly meaningful as the venue where the 1st through 5th Seoul Jazz Festivals were held from 2007 to 2011, making it a symbolic space that witnessed the festival's beginning roughly 20 years ago. Domestic and international artists across various genres including jazz and pop will take the stage, with Norwegian folk-pop duo Kings of Convenience announced as the inaugural artist. Kings of Convenience is a duo consisting of Eirik Glambek Bøe and Erlend Øye. After their formation in 1999, they began their active career with the release of their debut album "Quiet Is The New Loud" in 2001. The album garnered attention for its acoustic guitar and delicate vocal harmonies, topping the Norwegian album chart at the time. Their second studio album "Riot On An Empty Street" released in 2004 showcased a richer musical world utilizing various instruments including piano, trumpet, viola, and cello. The album reached number 2 on the Norwegian chart and entered the US Billboard Independent Albums chart, significantly expanding their international recognition. In particular, the included tracks "Homesick" and "Misread" achieved high rankings on domestic music charts and played a significant role in building a fanbase in Korea. Their third studio album "Declaration Of Dependence" (2009) was evaluated as establishing their identity by emphasizing the duo's distinctive acoustic sound and serene vocal sensibility. This album marked their first appearance on the Billboard 200 chart, solidifying their position as a global artist. In 2021, they released their fourth studio album "Peace Or Love" after a 12-year hiatus, showcasing a mature sound with consistent sensibility. They are also well-known for their special affection for Korea. They have held four solo concerts in Korea in 2008, 2010, 2023, and 2025, and met domestic fans through SJF in 2013, 2016, and 2025. This performance marks their first solo concert at a grand theater scale in approximately 16 years since their 2010 performance at Olympic Gymnastics Arena in Olympic Park, where they will present their warm, lyrical melodies and beautiful harmonies on a larger stage.