Byeong Woo Lee Guitar Concert + Bong Joon Ho’s Mother Live
Presented by The Town Hall and Next To Silence Presents in partnership with the Korean Cultural Center New York
Saturday, April 20, 2024, 7PM (Door opens at 6PM)
The Town Hall
(123 West 43rd Street, New York, NY 10036)
Tickets: Start at $68 (15% discount code "KCC")
Double Feature: Byeong Woo Lee Guitar Concert + Bong Joon Ho’s Mother Live
Live Film Score Performed by Harlem Chamber Players. Conducted by Tania León
Kim Hye-Ja in MOTHER, a Magnolia Pictures release. Byeong Woo Lee
Photo courtesy of Magnolia Pictures.
In partnership with the Korean Cultural Center New York, the Town Hall Presents the New York debut of Byeong Woo Lee in a specially curated musical "double feature"—a two-part concert of Lee's music with a full-length live score presentation of Bong, Joon Ho's masterpiece Mother (2009) preceded by a concert of guitar performance led by the aforementioned Lee.
For both presentations, Lee will be joined by an orchestra assembled from members of the internationally renowned Harlem Chamber Players. Pulitzer Prize-winning artist Tania León will conduct Lee and the Harlem Chamber Players in the live score of Mother (2009).
Lee has captivated audiences with his original compositions over six albums and with a range in repertoire from classical guitar compositions to contemporary creations, in solo performances and collaborations with orchestras. A Korean guitarist, composer, and visionary who has won numerous music awards, Lee will unveil his virtuosic exploration into acoustic guitar, a journey that combines years of innovation and expertise.
The celebrated South Korean filmmaker Bong, Joon Ho is almost certainly best known for his multiple Academy Award and Palme d'Or-winning film Parasite, but perhaps his most critically-beloved movie to date is the 2009 noir Mother. The taut thriller, helmed by acclaimed actress Kim, Hye-ja, tells the story of a woman who must become a detective to find the true killer behind the murder her son has been accused of. Fans of Bong's later work will recognize the master's touch in Mother's dark humor, careful pacing, and beautifully framed images. For one night only, Town Hall is proud to present a very special screening of this cinema classic, exclusively shown with in-person musical accompaniment. The live score concert will be conducted by Kennedy Center Honoree Tania León with a rare performance by the man who wrote Mother's original music, the highly decorated composer and guitarist Byeong Woo Lee. Lee will be joined by an orchestra, assembled from members of the internationally renowned Harlem Chamber Players.
To learn more about the event and to purchase tickets, please visit:
◆ About Byeong Woo Lee
Lee’s compositions for Korean films like A Tale of Two Sisters (2003), The Host (2006) and Mother (2009) have captured hearts in Korea and beyond. As an educator, innovator, and performer, Lee's journey has been characterized by continuous evolution and a relentless pursuit of excellence, earning him a beloved distinction among his fellow artists.
Known for his role as the music director for the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics and as an icon of unique Korean film music, he is now set to make his New York debut. Expect an exquisite evening of music that showcases Lee's diverse influences and unique approach to the guitar, introducing his remarkable talent to the Western world.
◆ A Word from Oscar-winning Director Bong, Joon Ho
“I was ecstatic to hear that Byeong Woo would be performing at the Town Hall in New York on April 18th and 20' as I had worked with him on three of my films -- The Host (2006), Tokyo (2008), and Mother (2009) -- and we had the most exciting of collaborations. His music has been critical to my filmography, and his dedication to the films undoubtedly played a large part in their success.
Byeong Woo has long been a preeminent figure in Korean music, and I was a huge fan even before working together. I have always been inspired by his boundless passion for creating music, and I am excited and honored that he will be performing the score of my film Mother at one of the upcoming performances in New York.”
Double Feature: Byeong Woo Lee Guitar Concert + Bong Joon Ho’s Mother Live program is a co-production of the Town Hall and Next to Silence Productions, and launches Town Hall’s new K-Town Hall series, presented in partnership with Korean Cultural Center NY.