K-pop performers from Korea’s major labels are well known throughout the globe. Now, artists signed to Korea’s independent music labels are gradually attracting international recognition. Like a breath of fresh air, Lucite Tokki (루싸이트 토끼), a Seoul-based female pop duo, creates unique and honest music. Musicians Kim Sun Young and Cho Ye Jin compose pieces reflective of their evolving emotions and musical tastes. Join us to welcome Lucite Tokki for… Read More

In Chosŏn times, blind musicians held official posts and performed for various court ceremonies and rituals. The Korean Traditional Music Orchestra of the Blind was founded in 2011 to revive this tradition of official recognition for sight-impaired musicians. Thursday, May 8, 2014 6:00 PM | Registration 6:30 PM | Performance Members: Free with registration Non-members $10 Students: Free with valid Student ID Performers: Kim Soohee, Geomungo Jung Chul, Percussion Lee… Read More

Known as the national instrument of Korea, the kayagŭm is played in many vocal and instrumental genres. Maestro Kim will perform both 25-string and 33-string kayagŭm and present the distinctively different virtuosic folk music from different provinces in Korea. The performance will be accompanied by one of Maestro Kim’s most well known pupils, Ramie Seo. Thursday, December 12, 2013 | 6:30 PM If you have any questions, please contact Estefanía… Read More

Performing viola and cello selections from Danzi, Beethoven, Clarke, Hindemith and Piston, violinist Caroline Johnston wows our holiday audience. Johnston, a Korean American adoptee, toured Korea as a young adult to widespread media acclaim. She has performed since across Asia, Europe and the United States, from Victoria Hall to Carnegie Hall, Alice Tulley, Kitara, and Symphony Hall Boston. Cellist Hamilton Berry, who has taught and performed from Sao Paolo’s favelas… Read More

Cello virtuosa Jiyoung Lee performs Bach’s Cello Suite No. 6 in D Major, Crumb’s Sonata for Solo Cello, and Sibelius’ Theme and Variations. Lee, 25, began cello at age eleven and within five years was performing as a soloist with the Seoul Symphony Orchestra. Winner of the prestigious Korea Times Cello Competition and Ewha Press Competition, Lee performed with the Seoul National University Philharmonic Orchestra and recently won the Juilliard… Read More

Korean sinawi music originally accompanied propitiatory rites presided over by a female shaman, or mudang. The word sinawi is also synonymous with musical improvisation based on various rhythmic and melodic devices--the most important characteristic of this genre. This group of sinawi performed by five performers and varying instrumentation evokes the otherworldly sonic space of the shamanistic spirit realm. Dr. Ju-Yong Ha, a renowned ethnomusicologist, will provide historical context for the… Read More

The Korea Society examines the growth of K-Pop and the landmarks for Korean wave in the United States, such as Psy starring in a Super Bowl ad, Girls Generation performing at Madison Square Garden, and 2NE1’s Best New Band award from MTV Iggy. All About K-Pop Wednesday, May 22, 2013 6:00 PM | Reception and Registration6:30 PM | Discussion Admission fee: $20 (non-members) & $10 (members) with Nicole Curry, Contestant… Read More

The Korea Society is very pleased to present the traditional music and dance of the Chosŏn Kingdom courtesan, performed by Han TeRra, an extraordinary kayagŭm (12-string zither) player from Korea. Dr. Robert Provine, a renowned ethnomusicologist, will provide historical context for her performances, shedding light on the life and artistic world of a kisaeng. During the half millennium reign of the Chosŏn Kingdom in Korea (1392-1910), there was a class… Read More

The Korea Society proudly presents renowned p’ansori singer, Kim Sumi, in a rare New York performance of Korean traditional opera. P’ansori is a storytelling genre traditionally performed by a solo vocalist and a drummer playing a puk (barrel drum). The entire dramatic and narrative progression of the story rests on the singer who acts out all the characters, describes the scenes, and provides cultural and historical references. Kim Sumi will… Read More

Share in a musical global journey with virtuoso Mina Um, who took first at the Seventh Annual New York Music Competition and performed after at Carnegie Hall. She appeared as a soloist with the Hartford Symphony Orchestra, Boston Festival Orchestra and Farmington Valley Symphony. As a member of the Juilliard Orchestra, she performed again at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. Having appeared on ABC and in New York Magazine, Ms.… Read More