The Korean Cultural Center in the United Arab Emirates is preparing to showcase the talents of Korea's next generation of traditional musicians through a special concert titled 'Korean Sound' this September. The performance will feature 11 outstanding young artists selected from the 2025 Youth Members of the National Orchestra of Korea, presenting a unique blend of traditional Korean music and contemporary interpretations.
Scheduled for Wednesday, September 24, from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM, the concert will take place at the Korean Cultural Center. The event is organized jointly by the Korean Cultural Center and the National Orchestra of Korea, with support from Korea's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Korean Foundation for International Cultural Exchange, and the National Theater of Korea. While admission is free, advance registration is required through an online RSVP system, and confirmation emails will be sent individually on Monday, September 22.
The National Orchestra of Korea, established in 1995 as part of the National Theater of Korea, has built a reputation for creating contemporary works deeply rooted in Korean musical traditions. The orchestra continues to captivate international audiences with its distinctive repertoire and modern interpretations of Korea's rich musical heritage. The featured young musicians are participants in the Youth Training Program, a government-supported initiative that provides emerging artists with opportunities to train alongside professional orchestra members and perform on prestigious stages.
The concert program encompasses five diverse pieces that demonstrate the versatility and evolution of Korean traditional music. The opening piece, 'As Water Flows and Flowers Bloom' by composer Ham Hyoun-sang, was specifically written to capture the natural flow of water through music. In today's fast-paced world where authentic experiences are often lost, each instrument in this composition highlights its pure, original sound, encouraging listeners to reconnect with genuine musical expression.
The second performance features 'Pear Blossom Song for Chamber Ensemble,' arranged by composer Choi Deok-yol. This piece draws inspiration from a beloved folk tune originating in Hwanghae province, traditionally performed by local artists and also known as a work song in southern regions. The composer has reimagined this memorable melody and its irregular rhythms for chamber music, with the Gayageum's gentle patterns creating warmth while the Haegeum's wide tonal range brings a distinctly human voice to the performance.
'Burning - Solo Geomungo' by composer Lee Jeong-ho represents a bold fusion of ancient and modern elements, combining the traditional Geomungo with contemporary digital sounds. The piece begins quietly before building with increasing passion, expressing the composer's aspiration for music to reach diverse audiences. Like a journey toward a small light at the end of a dark tunnel, the composition intensifies into a powerful musical statement, with the Geomungo's advanced techniques merging with electronic elements to create spatial dimensions beyond what a single acoustic instrument could achieve.
The program continues with 'Colors of Time' by Hong Min-woong, a contemplative piece that explores how time can be experienced through different emotional colors. The composition weaves together peaceful greens of deep shade, pure white of magnolia blossoms, bright pink of lotus flowers emerging from mud, and the grey tones of melancholy. Through these musical colors, the piece invites audiences to embrace every season of life with warmth and acceptance.
'A Song by the Theme of Niliriya - Wish' by composer Park Han-gyu offers a reinterpretation of 'Niliriya,' an energetic folk song from the Gyeonggi Region traditionally performed in the Gutgeori Jangdan rhythm. The composer has transformed the contrast between the song's joyful chorus and sorrowful lyrics into a representation of a nation's yearning for freedom. The music conveys a full spectrum of human emotions – joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness – sometimes directly expressed and sometimes subtly woven into traditional melodic patterns.
The evening will conclude with a Disney Medley arranged by Hong Min-woong, featuring familiar Disney classics performed on Korean traditional instruments. This innovative arrangement offers audiences a fresh and accessible introduction to Korean traditional music through beloved melodies, demonstrating how traditional instruments can bring new life to internationally recognized songs. The performance promises to provide both cultural education and entertainment, bridging Eastern and Western musical traditions in an engaging finale.
