From concerts to exhibitions to religious ceremonies, many cultural events are being held Aug. 15 to mark the Liberation Day.

At the demilitarized zone, world renowned conductor Daniel Barenboim will hold a special concert, titled “Daniel Barenboim’s Peace Concert” at 7 p.m.

An Argentinean-Israeli pianist and conductor, Barenboim has been an outspoken critic of the Israeli occupation of Palestine. He will be leading the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra for the concert, which consists of young musicians from countries in the Middle East.

The orchestra will be performing Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9. Korea’s world-renowned soprano Sumi Jo will be joining Barenboim and the orchestra for the performance.

Seodaemun Prison History Hall, a former prison where Korea’s independence activists were jailed during the Japanese colonial rule (1910-1945), will present a special theater play that features the Korean independence movement. The play, “Geongongamri” will start at 8 p.m.

The National Museum of Contemporary Art, Korea, and National Science Museum will be free for the national holiday, while National Museum of Art, Deoksugung, will admit people of national merit and their descendants free of charge.

The Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism will hold a special religious service commemorating Independence Day at 11 a.m. in both Seoul and North Korea’s capital, Pyongyang. While the service in South Korea will be held in Bongeunsa in southern Seoul, the one in North Korea will be held in Pyongyang’s Gwangbopsa.

Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Seoul will hoist Korea’s national flag at Myeong-dong Cathedral on the national holiday ― which is also the feast day of the Assumption of Mary ― during their special mass commemorating both assumption of Mary and Korea’s liberation from colonial rule.

By Claire Lee (dyc@heraldcorp.com)