K-Traditional Music Concert:
Love's Mosaic: Tales of two Cultures
On October 2nd I had the pleasure of attending the K-Traditional Music Concert organized by the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Montreal.
Upon arriving at the venue all guests had the option of trying out the calligraphy activity and/or the hanbok experience. I did both as I really wanted to take in the full experience that the staff worked so hard to put together. I had the surprise of having the calligraphy done by my current Sagunja teacher at the Sejong Institute in Montreal.
For the calligraphy activity we each had the option of choosing a style of calligraphy for our name to be printed onto beautiful cards with love messages to match the love theme at the concert. I chose the palace style calligraphy for my name and here is the result. I also took a video of the process as it was quite impressive to watch her create the calligraphy in so many different styles.
My friends and I then decided to try the hanbok experience. It’s not my first time trying it on but this time they had a wider variety of colors and choices. The experience was truly worth it, and I look forward to trying out more luxurious hanboks in Korea.
The hanbok is truly an extraordinary garment full of splendor. It is probably one of my most favorite traditional garments in any culture.
Finally, we made it to the auditorium for the actual event. I was super lucky to get a seat in the front row allowing me to fully immerse myself in the songs, the music and the performances.
The schedule for the event consisted of 3 parts:
All 4 artists were truly exceptional in their respective artforms.
I was familiar with the haegeum and the gayageum from previous performances I had seen online but witnessing this in person from proximity was an entirely different experience. The sounds really make it deep into your soul. I was particularly impressed by the versatility of the haegeum. Here are some videos of the solo song performed.
I also never thought I would ever get to hear pansori songs sung live in Montreal and to be so close to the artist as they sing. I had always imagined it would be in Korea.
The famous love story in this concert is that of Chunhyang and Mongryong and how true love conquers all in the end. The melodies sung depict the various stages one would experience in love ranging from happiness, sadness, agony, missing someone and being reunited again.
Some of these songs brought tears to my eyes.
All 4 artists worked together to recreate the deep emotions felt by these two lovers in a way that transcends language barriers. The pansori sung by Mi Hyun pierced right through my heart.
The piano accompaniment by LEE, Jee-Hye was so soothing and perfectly complemented the traditional instruments used throughout the performance.
The main producer of this show is KIM, Jun-Hee and her performance of the Haegeum left everyone in awe.
Finally, SEO, Eun-Yeong’s mastery of the gayageum brought back those traditional Korean vibes that should never be forgotten.
The night ended with folk songs from around the world and Arirang, one of my favorites. It was indeed an immense pleasure hearing it in person.
The artists received 2 well-deserved standing ovations.
The entire evening was such a beautiful moment that I will never forget.
I really want to thank the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Montreal for making this entire evening possible to the public for free and for continually creating opportunities to bridge the East with the West.
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Thank you for reading.
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