KCCNY Sound & Talk Ep. 1
Presented by Korean Cultural Center New York

Friday, February 28, 2025, 7:30 PM

Korean Cultural Center New York
(122 E 32nd Street, New York, NY 10016)

Admission: Free (Pre-registration is Required)
* RSVP and seating are on a first-come, first-served basis.
*Limited same-day standby tickets available.

RSVP will open on Thursday, Feb. 20 at noon (ET)

◆ ARTISTS

Hyo-young Kim (Saenghwang)

Lucia Ahn (Piano)

Maria Ahn (Cello)

◆ PROGRAM

Hyo-young Kim | Silent Spirit (고즈-넋)

SukJin Chang | Dear Mother

Three Perspectives on Saenghwang (World Premiere)

Won-Jung Lee | Byeolsoyanggok
Hye-Jeong Hwang | Lullaby for Saenghwang Solo
Dong-Jin Bae | smi:m

Kyeonghun Park | Puri for Saenghwang

Hyo-young Kim | Sanjo for Saenghwang

Kyeonghun Park | Tears
* program may be subject to change.

Korean Cultural Center New York (KCCNY) is thrilled to present “Herstory” by saenghwang player, Hyo-young Kim.

This concert is particularly special, not only because the saenghwang is a rare and unique Korean wind instrument—the only polyphonic instrument in traditional Korean music—but also because there are very few musicians who master it professionally compared to other traditional Korean instruments.

As one of Korea's leading saenghwang players, Hyo-young Kim is highly regarded both as a performer and a composer. She continues to expand the possibilities of saenghwang music, pushing beyond traditional frameworks through bold explorations of instrumentation and genre fusion.

The saenghwang is a free-reed mouth organ with a windchest traditionally made from dried gourd—though today, it is often crafted from metal or wood. Constructed from bamboo pipes, each fitted with a metal reed, the instrument produces sound when air passes through it as the musician inhales and exhales, similar to a harmonica. Different notes are played by covering the finger holes at the base of the bamboo pipes.

A historical depiction of the saenghwang can be found at Sangwonsa Temple in Korea, where an angel-like figure is carved on the facade of a Bronze Bell (National Treasure No. 36), holding a saenghwang. This bell, cast in 725 AD during the Silla Dynasty, suggests that the saenghwang has a history spanning over two thousand years.

Tonight’s concert, “Herstory,” tells multiple stories—the story of the angel holding the saenghwang, the story of Hyo-young Kim, and the evolving story of music expressed through this extraordinary instrument.

We hope you enjoy this concert and that this performance brings you closer to the enchanting world of the saenghwang.

◆ Hyo-young Kim

Hyo-young Kim is a prominent Korean saenghwang player who has brought renewed attention to this mystical traditional instrument through diverse creative endeavors. An exceptional performer and composer, she continually produces saenghwang music and boldly integrates it with other instruments and art forms, pursuing new musical expressions beyond traditional boundaries. Notably, she has established a unique presence for the saenghwang in contemporary classical music, transcending mere crossover with other genres. Her accolades include the 2013 Young Female Artist Award from the Women’s News, the 2014 First Jungang Gugak Award, and the 2015 KBS Traditional Music Award in the wind instrument category. She was also selected for residencies at the Cité Internationale des Arts in Paris in 2015 and 2023. Kim has released several albums including the “Rebirth” series. Additionally, she collaborated with organist Dong-il Shin on the duo album Pung, Geum (2021, Sony Music Korea).

Currently, Kim serves as an instructor at Seoul National University, nurturing future talents, and expands her artistic reach as the artistic director of the Kwanhyun Blind Traditional Arts Ensemble. She is also a certified holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property No. 46 in Piri Jeongak and Daechwita.

KCCNY Sound & Talk

KCCNY Sound & Talk is a unique performance series presented by the Korean Cultural Center New York (KCCNY), designed to foster close connections between artists and audiences. Set in the KCCNY’s 172-seat theater, it creates an intimate space where live performances come alive, offering a deeper and more immersive artistic experience.

Featuring distinguished Korean artists, the series goes beyond performance—offering insights into their creative process, inspirations, and behind-the-scenes stories. More than just a live show, this series invites audiences into a dynamic exchange of ideas while experiencing the joy of learning and meaningful connection to Korean arts and culture.