Korean Cultural Center New York x Seoul Donhwamun Traditional Theater (8)
Korean Music NOW
[Online Concert #8: World Music Group GongMyoung <Space Bamboo>]
Space Bamboo, from the innovative Korean world music group GongMyoung, depicts a day in a bamboo grove through rhythmic, atmospheric music. GongMyoung strives to share the freedom and joy of their journey through this transportive performance that integrates traditional, modern, and actual newly invented bamboo instruments.
Composed during one of the group’s experimental jam sessions in a grove 10 years ago, Space Bamboo aims to express the gifts of nature and the deep emotions that arise from sounds produced from organic empty spaces.
GongMyoung
GongMyoung embraces new sounds and the global diversity of music through original compositions and arrangements inspired by traditional Korean music. Four members each draw on their training in traditional music as their creative foundation.
In Korea, the quartet’s debut was reported as being ‘exceptional and unconventional’ and its music has been considered unprecedented by many traditional musicians of Korea.
The name GongMyoung in fact refers to the bamboo instrument they themselves devised and manufactured for this purpose, featured in concert with varied ensembles of familiar wind, strong, and percussion instruments. The members of GongMyoung play more than 30 musical instruments including Korean instruments, as well as the more exotic cahon, djembe and wind bells. Through their ability to meld different musical styles together, GongMyoung has created a new, fresh sound that is truly their own.
The group’s music also integrates various creative genres, including theater, musicals, dance, and film. GongMyoung has performed its unique brand of world music on stages around the world, including SXSW, Vancouver Music Festival, Melbourne International Art Festival, WOMEX, Midem, Førde Folk Music Festival (Sweden), San Marino Etnofestival, Inko Centre (India), and various official anniversary celebrations of Korea’s foreign diplomatic relations.
▲ Program
White moon
Spring
Plateau
Camelopardalis
Bamboo Flower
Play with us
Gongmyoung YooHee
Brushing on the Sky
Space Bamboo
Walkabout
▲ Artist
Janggu·Yanggeum : Kang, Sunil
Guitar·String Bamboo : Park, Seungwon
Sogeum·Daegeum : Song Gyeonggeun
Percussion : Lim, Yongju