Concert «Music, Dance and Songs of Korea»

Concert «Music, Dance and Songs of Korea»

«2025 Touring K-Arts: Music, Dance and Songs of Korea» is a concert of traditional Korean music to be held in Astana and Almaty. The event will feature laureates of the national Onnara competitions in traditional music and dance, organised by the National Gugak Center.

The programme includes seven performances: ajaeng sanjo, pansori, gagok, folk songs, chamber music, and contemporary compositions. The Kazakh audience will have the opportunity to experience the true richness of Korean traditional art and feel its unique emotional atmosphere, especially through works such as the Arirang Suite.

The performances of eleven outstanding masters will vividly demonstrate the harmony of tradition and the artistic excellence of K-Arts. This concert will allow audiences to discover the essence of Korean traditional art - the very roots of the global cultural phenomenon known as Hallyu.

1. Ajaeng Sanjo

Ajaeng Sanjo is a solo instrumental piece written for the ajaeng - a large bowed zither with thick strings and a deep, resonant tone. Its melody weaves together the melancholy of the kyemyŏnjo mode with the noble austerity of ujo, creating an image of refined and restrained beauty.

Compared to other sanjo variations, this composition has a relatively simple structure, yet its distinctive sound leaves a profound emotional impression. Originally, the ajaeng was used in court music, but over time it became a folk instrument, giving rise to the sanjo repertoire. This tradition was continued and developed by masters Han Il-seob and Jang Wol-jungson.

2. Pansori «Sugungga». Excerpt «Yaksongga» (The Song of Medicines)

Sugungga is a traditional Korean musical narrative that tells the humorous tale of a turtle sent to retrieve a rabbit’s liver to cure the ailing Dragon King. The work abounds with wit, satire, symbolism, and vivid metaphors.

The excerpt «Yaksongga» («The Song of Medicines») is a rapid and rhythmic recitation of countless herbs and remedies prescribed to heal the King. In this passage, the performer’s eloquence, vocal mastery, and dramatic artistry shine most brightly. Playful and enlightening in tone, the piece also reflects aspects of traditional Korean medicine.

Sugungga has been preserved through two major performance traditions - Dongpyeongje and Gansangje - and is inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

3. Kagok «Gyeomyeonjo Onron»

Kagok is one of the most distinguished genres of jeongga (classical vocal music) that developed within the scholarly culture of the Joseon era. It is a performance of sijo poetry accompanied by instruments, expressing a philosophy of nature and human life. Kagok is characterised by its restraint from excessive dramatism; emotions are conveyed through subtle tonal nuances and pauses, creating space for contemplation. There are male and female versions of performance, arranged in a specific sequence. «Gyeomyeonjo Onron» is a slow, gentle, and tranquil piece where profound emotions are expressed in a refined and restrained manner.

4. Folk Songs «Miryang Arirang» and «Chajin Paenore»

Folk songs (minyo) are oral musical works that naturally emerged from the daily life of the people, varying by region and purpose. «Miryang Arirang» is one of the best-known songs of the southern tradition - lively and melodic, it conveys emotions of love and parting. «Chajin Paenore» is a type of work song reflecting the breath and rhythm of boatmen at labour. Both songs are performed in a call-and-response form, engaging the audience and evoking a strong emotional resonance. These pieces vividly portray the life and sentiments of ordinary people and form an essential part of Korea’s folk music heritage.

5. Cheonnyeonmanse (A Thousand Years of Prosperity)

Cheonnyeonmanse is one of the most celebrated ensemble pieces of traditional chamber music. Performed by an instrumental group, it consists of three consecutive movements: «Gyeomyeongarak Toduri,» «Yangcheon Toduri,» and «Ucho Garak Toduri.» The lively rhythm and dynamic progression lend the music distinctive expressiveness, while the subtle synchrony among performers plays a crucial role. The title «Cheonnyeonmanse» symbolises a wish for longevity and prosperity. This work offers a glimpse into the refined aesthetics of chamber music and the harmonious beauty of the Korean instrumental ensemble.

6. «Janghangeo» Dance

Janghangeo is a lyrical traditional dance inspired by classical Korean poetry. Its restrained movements embody the sentiments central to Korean culture - han (deep sorrow) and jeong (affection and warmth). Music and dance are interwoven seamlessly, creating a sense of quiet drama. Through graceful allegory and metaphor, the dancer symbolically conveys the human journey and the depth of emotion. Even in stillness, this piece evokes profound inner resonance, touching the heart of the audience with its subtle intensity.

7. Frontier

Frontier is a fusion composition by composer Yang Bang-ean, chosen as the official music of the 2002 Busan Asian Games. The piece captivates with its harmonious blend of a Western orchestra and traditional Korean instruments. Its unusual 5/8 rhythm and expressive melody symbolise the modern evolution of Korean traditional music. Marked by experimentation and vitality, Frontier freely crosses boundaries between tradition and modernity, East and West. It stands as one of the most striking examples of Korean crossover music, where accessibility meets artistic sophistication. On this occasion, the piece will be performed solely on traditional Korean instruments, offering the familiar music a renewed and distinctive sound.

8. Arirang Suite

Arirang is the most famous Korean folk song, known in numerous regional variations with distinct melodies and lyrics. This suite brings together versions from Gyeonggi, Gangwon-do, Sangju, and Jindo. The unique rhythms and performance styles of each region intertwine to create a vivid tapestry of folk colours. Embracing the history and spirit of the Korean people, Arirang has become widely recognised around the world as a true symbol of Korea.