Musicians from National Gugak Center and National Chinese Orchestra Taiwan Showcase Fusion Concert

National Gugak Center

In a collaborative performance titled "Hwa Ee Boo Dong -- Harmonization of Korean-Taiwanese Traditional Arts," musicians from the National Gugak Center in Seoul and the National Chinese Orchestra Taiwan presented a mesmerizing display of cultural harmony. The event featured a double concerto for erhu and haegeum, titled "Two Strings," symbolizing the fusion of Korean and Taiwanese musical traditions.

The joint concert took place at the National Gugak Center and showcased the Contemporary Gugak Orchestra affiliated with the NGC and the National Chinese Orchestra Taiwan, associated with the National Center for Traditional Arts in Taiwan.

During an open rehearsal, the musicians exchanged insights into the differences between traditional Korean and Taiwanese instruments. The program included compositions comparing instruments such as guan and piri, highlighting the cultural exchange between the two regions. 

▲ National Gugak Center

Director Liu Li-chen of the National Chinese Orchestra Taiwan expressed the desire to foster mutual understanding of each other's culture and appreciation for the artistic expressions arising from this collaboration. The repertoire aimed to showcase the harmonious blend of traditional Korean and Taiwanese music.

Musicians engaged in discussions about the unique characteristics of their instruments, emphasizing differences in materials and playing techniques. The collaborative effort aimed to preserve tradition while exploring innovative approaches to traditional music for contemporary audiences.

Korean conductor Kwon Sung-tak and NCO's music director Paul Ching-Po Chiang led the two-day concert, reflecting on the absence of boundaries in music and the shared commitment to preserving traditional music. Conductor Kwon is scheduled to perform the same repertoire in Taiwan in December, further extending the collaborative musical exchange.

Both orchestras expressed a common goal of preserving traditional music while adapting and developing it for contemporary audiences. The collaboration aimed to generate synergy between Korea and Taiwan and present new creations in the realm of traditional music. Director Kim Young-woon from the National Gugak Center emphasized the collective commitment to preserving and evolving traditional music for contemporary audiences.

Sayart.net 

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