Crown Haitai Confectionery will host the traditional music performance 'Changsin Festival' featuring top artists and employees next month at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts. This year, the festival will focus on 'Sujecheon,' a quintessential piece of Korean traditional music, incorporating choral performances, court dances, and samulnori.
The 21st Changsin Festival will take place from October 10 to 12 at the main theater of the Sejong Center in Seoul, Crown Haitai announced on September 30.
Launched in 2004, the Changsin Festival is themed around 'creating newness based on the old,' known as 'beokgochangsin.' It is the largest traditional music event organized by a private company in South Korea, marking its 21st edition this year.
This year's performance will center on 'Sujecheon.' After presenting Sujecheon for the past four years, Crown Haitai has evolved the performance by blending traditional elements with modern interpretations. Sujecheon is a traditional wind ensemble piece that originated from the Baekje song 'Jeong-eupsa' and developed into court music during the Goryeo and Joseon dynasties.
The performance will open with the Seoul Traditional Orchestra playing the Sujecheon melody in four parts, accompanied by a choir of 100 Crown Haitai employees. Following this, the stage will feature 'Jeonpyehwi-mun,' a ritual music piece expressed through dance, and 'Jeonggagu-eum,' sung by male and female vocalists.
A new creative dance titled 'Obangjeongjae,' which combines three court dances—Cheoyongmu, Ilmu, and Chun-aengjeon—will be unveiled at this year's festival. The performance will conclude with 'Dongrak,' a samulnori piece, followed by a rendition of Sujecheon by the Yangju Pungnyu Music Association, known for its adherence to traditional forms.
A special performance featuring the next generation of traditional music prodigies will also take place. On October 11 at 1 p.m., the 'Young Talent Han-eum Association Special Performance' will be held at the Sejong Center's main theater. Crown Haitai has been supporting the discovery and development of traditional music talent by providing annual competitions and performance opportunities.
A representative from Crown Haitai stated, "Thanks to our customers' continued interest, we are able to present the profound resonance of Sujecheon on the largest traditional music stage in the country. We will strive to preserve the beauty of traditional music while modernizing it to reach a wider audience."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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