Korea Center New York Opening Celebration: “Masters & Masterpieces” by the National Gugak Center
Presented by the Korean Cultural Center New York
Saturday, June 29, 2024 at 7:30 PM (Doors open at 7 PM)
Korea Center New York
(122 E 32nd Street, New York, NY 10016)
Admission: FREE (Pre-registration is required)
*RSVP and seating are first-come, first-served.
*Limited same-day standby tickets available
In a grand celebration of the inauguration of the new building of the Korean Cultural Center New York (KCCNY), we are proud to present “Masters and Masterpieces” by the National Gugak Center. This exceptional performance showcases 19 distinguished artists from Korea’s premier institution for the traditional music genre known as gugak.
Specially curated for the KCCNY’s opening, “Masters and Masterpieces” unfolds in three dynamic parts:
1) Blessings for Prosperity for the New Building
A profound invocation of fortune and well-being through ritual and dance, celebrating the auspicious new chapter for the KCCNY.
► Mun-gut · Chukwon Binari 문굿 · 축원 비나리
► Taepyeongmu 태평무
2) Wishing for Friendship and Harmonious US-Korea Partnership
A musical expression of harmony and shared cultural values, blending ancient melodies with modern improvisations.
► Suryongeum 수룡음
► Newly-Sinawi 신(新)아위
3) Sounds of Hope from the Present to the Future
An inspiring fusion of the beloved Arirang melody with the vibrant rhythms of Samulnori, symbolizing a bridge from the present to a hopeful future.
► Arirang medley 아리랑연곡
► Pan-gut 판굿
Join us and experience the rich and dynamic Korean culture as we officially open our new home, Korea Center New York! Renowned musicians and dancers from the National Gugak Center will grace the stage with a captivating performance.
For any inquiries, please contact the Korean Cultural Center New York at performingarts@koreanculture.org.
◆ The National Gugak Center
The National Gugak Center is the representative national arts institution of the Republic of Korea that inherits Korean traditional performing arts.
Established in Busan during the Korean War in 1951, the National Gugak Center continues the tradition of the royal music institutions of the Silla Dynasty’s Eumseongseo, the Goryeo Dynasty’s Daeakseo, and the Joseon Dynasty’s Jangakwon, preserving our traditional music and dance that have been passed down for thousands of years.
After the restoration of Seoul, the National Gugak Center was initially located in Unni-dong, Jongno-gu, and then moved to Seocho-dong in 1987, where it is currently situated led by the Director-General, the center consists of the Planning & Management Bureau (Planning & Management Division, Performance Division, Promotion Division, Stage Management Division), Research Bureau, and four Gugak performance groups. It constantly strives for the preservation and creative succession of traditional performing arts and operates three regional centers (Namwon National Gugak Center, Jindo National Gugak Center, Busan National Gugak Center) that reflect regional characteristics.
The Gugak performance groups consist of Court Music Orchestra, Folk Music Group, Dance Company, and Contemporary Gugak Orchestra. These groups, composed of highly skilled members, continue to inherit and develop music, songs, dances, and performances enjoyed in the past by the royal court and the general public. They also create and promote contemporary music and everyday music that resonate with modern sensibilities. The National Gugak Center’s interpretation of the long-standing traditions and performances is creating a new tradition that connects the past, present, and future.
The National Gugak Center not only presents dance and music performances infused with the Korean spirit but also conducts diverse educational programs that promote traditional music both at home and abroad, encompassing online and offline spaces. Furthermore, it carries out projects to study and systematize traditional music through Gugak Museum, Gugak Archive, and Gugak Library.
The National Gugak Center will continue working passionately until the day when the beauty and charm of Korean traditional performing arts are appreciated by not only Koreans but also people around the world.
[Ajaeng] KIM SEUNG CHUL
[Gayageum] LEE YEO JIN
[Saenghwang] KIM CHUL
[Danso] LEE JONG BUM
[Geomungo] LEE SUN HWA
[Janggu] YUN JAE YOUNG
[Gyeonggi Minyo] CHAE SU HYUN
[Gyeonggi Minyo] SUNG SEUL KI
[Kkwaenggwari] OH YOUNG HWAN
(Artists)
[Kkwaenggwari·Jing] KANG BYOUNG HYOK
[Janggu] RYU JI HYUNG
[Buk·Jing] IM YONG NAM
[Janggu·Jing·Sogo] NA HYEON CHEOL
[Taepyeongso·Jing] LEE JAE HYUK
[Dance] LEE JI EUN
[Bara] KWON OH SEONG
[Piri] LEE HO JIN
[Daegeum] KIM CHUNG WHAN
[Haegeum] KIM JEUNG LIM