Cutting-Edge Virtual Reality Experience Explores Korean Music Roots, Offering Solo Concert Experience at Haneul Round Theater

National Theater of Korea

The National Orchestra of Korea (NOK), a traditional Korean music ensemble under the National Theater of Korea, is set to present "The Origin of Orchestra," an immersive exhibition featuring virtual reality technology.

Scheduled for November 23-24, the exhibition aims to explore the roots of Korean music in an innovative way. A concert with the same title is scheduled at the Haneul Round Theater on November 26.

In line with the NOK's commitment to pushing boundaries in traditional music exploration, the exhibition employs virtual reality technology to provide a unique musical journey. Attendees will have the rare opportunity to experience the 627-seat concert hall in solitude. 

▲ National Theater of Korea

Each participant, at intervals of 10 minutes, will traverse the concert hall, starting from the ticket booth and moving through dressing rooms and the equipment loading entrance. In designated areas, attendees will wear VR goggles to view videos showcasing musical instruments and images inspired by the Buddhist concept of "bardo," which refers to the transitional state between death and rebirth.

The immersive experience culminates in a 10-minute performance of NOK's "Bardo," composed by Hwang Ho-jun, on the empty stage of the Haneul Round Theater. The concept aims to create a sense of crossing between reality and virtual reality, aligning with the theme of "Bardo."

The exhibition, spanning 40 minutes, accommodates only 40 individuals per day, with time slots available from 1 p.m. to 9:40 p.m. in 10-minute intervals.

The concert on November 26 will further delve into the origins and flow of Korean traditional music. The repertoire includes pieces inspired by shamanistic ritualistic "gut," ceremonial music, court ritual music, and folk songs. The concert is designed to offer a comprehensive view, showcasing solo-oriented pieces to ensemble compositions.

Artistic director Yeo Mi-sun expressed the NOK's commitment to exploring new perspectives on traditional music, citing previous initiatives like media art and a robot conductor. The blend of tradition and technology in "The Origin of Orchestra" represents another step in broadening the appreciation of Korean traditional music.

Music director Chun Jae-hyun highlighted the concert's intention to vividly illustrate the differences in playing music alone, with 15 musicians, and with a full ensemble of 60 people.

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