The Samsung Cultural Foundation announced on August 24 that it will host a total of eight performances of the 'Korean Traditional Music Project' from August 29 to September 20 at the Leeum Museum in Hannam-dong and the cultural complex Sounds S.
This project aims to provide an opportunity to experience traditional music as a living art form in contemporary times.
Jang Young-kyu serves as the artistic director. He is the leader of the band 'Ihnalchi,' which sparked a sensation in traditional music with the song 'Beom Naeryeonda,' and is also the music director for the drama 'Jeongnyeon-i,' for which he received an artistic award at the Baeksang Arts Awards. In 2022, he presented a sound installation work titled 'Jang Young-kyu: Chujongja' at the Leeum Museum, utilizing audio from a pansori transmission process. Drawing on years of exploration into traditional music methodologies, he has planned a stage that allows for a more relaxed and innovative encounter outside of conventional theaters.
The performances will consist of the 'The Authority' series, which highlights artists who have set the standards for Korean traditional music, and the 'The Signature' series, which introduces contemporary musicians who are creating their own musical expressions based on tradition.
The 'The Authority' series, held in the auditorium of the Leeum Museum, will reflect on the standards of traditional music today through the music of Buddhist monk Dong-hee, pansori master Jeong Hoe-seok, gayo master Kim Young-ki, and women's national theater actress Jo Young-sook. The term 'Eosan Eojang' refers to the highest authority in Buddhist ceremonial music, known as Beompae.
Additionally, the 'The Signature' series at Sounds S will showcase musicians who are cultivating their own worlds, including singer Ija-ram, women's national theater actress Park Soo-bin, female singer Lee Hyun-a, and Beompae monk Jeong-gak.
The venues will also feature a newly created atmosphere for listening to music. Modern artist Yoon Hyang-ro's works will be used for stage design, and lighting designer Seo Ga-young will collaborate to create an immersive environment for enjoying the music.
Furthermore, artistic director Jang Young-kyu and electronic music producer Hwang Hwi will add new textures to traditional music. Visual artist Jeong Eun-young and music critic Seong Hye-in will be invited to enhance the understanding of the program.
Ryu Moon-hyung, CEO of the Samsung Cultural Foundation, stated, “Since the 1990s, the Samsung Cultural Foundation has systematically supported the development of Korean traditional music and the cultivation of talent through initiatives like the 'Seoul National Traditional Music Competition,' 'National Traditional Children's Song Festival,' 'Jeong Nongak Association,' and 'World Pansori Association.' Through this project, we aim to present a contemporary traditional music performance that reflects our cultural pride and establish a foundation for the continuation and new creation of our traditional culture.”
Applications for each performance will be available on the Leeum Museum's website starting at 5 p.m. on August 25.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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