The Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. (KCCDC) proudly presents the Korean Women in Jazz Series in collaboration with DC’s historic Blues Alley Jazz club, July 6 – 8, highlighting exceptional New York-based Korean talent in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States.   Aimed at broadening cultural ties between Korea and the United States by spotlighting one of the two countries’ most longstanding and influential genres of artistic exchange – jazz music – this series presents exceptional Korean talent currently performing at the top of their game in the United States. Jazz pianists Dabin Ryu, Hayoung Lyou, and Jihee Heo have each embraced their unique artistic voice within the contemporary jazz scene and will present music from their latest individual albums, each in a unique piano-drums-bass trio format, in DC’s most storied and revered Jazz club: Blues Alley.   Blues Alley Jazz, established in 1965, is one of Washington, D.C.’s most iconic jazz clubs with a 60-year history and is widely recognized as a landmark venue that has hosted numerous world-renowned jazz musicians. Known for its intimate performance setting and excellent acoustics, the venue offers audiences a distinctive live music experience in close proximity to the artists. Since 2025, the Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. (KCCDC) has partnered with Blues Alley Jazz to regularly present Korean jazz artists to local audiences. This series continues that cultural exchange and collaboration between the two institutions with deep local roots.   On Monday, July 6 award-winning pianist Dabin Ryu presents selections from her latest album Trio! that showcase her refined and intricate sound in a contemporary jazz piano trio format. She will be joined by acclaimed drummer Jimmy Macbride and bassist Walter Stinson.   On Tuesday, July 7 internationally recognized jazz pianist and composer Hayoung Lyou performs works from her album The Myth of Katabasis, exploring a musical journey that bridges classical sensibilities and modern jazz expression. She will be joined by drummer Steven Crammer and bassist Walter Stinson as part of a trio.   On Wednesday, July 8 acclaimed jazz pianist and composer Jihee Heo concludes the series with a trio performance that highlights the intersection of Korean musical sensibility and jazz tradition, inviting listeners into a narrative and expressive musical world. She will perform with renowned bassist Boris Kozlov and drummer Chris Beck as part of her trio ensemble.   Each evening features two performances, at 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. Tickets are $25 per show, available through the Blues Alley Jazz website. For more information, visit the websites of the Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. and Blues Alley Jazz.   TICKETS AVAILABLE VIA BLUES ALLEY JAZZ:  Monday, July 6: Dabin Ryu Tuesday, July 7: Hayoung Lyou Wednesday, July 8: Jihee Heo About the Artists   Dabin Ryu Trio Dabin Ryu | Jazz Pianist Dabin Ryu is an award-winning jazz pianist and composer from Seoul, South Korea, currently based in New York City. She holds a Bachelor of Music from Berklee College of Music, a Master of Music from Manhattan School of Music, and an Artist Diploma from The Juilliard School. She has collaborated with internationally acclaimed artists including Ralph Peterson, Billy Harper, Randy Brecker, Johnathan Blake, Joe Martin, Anat Cohen, David Virelles, Godwin Louis, Rodney Jones, and Jaleel Shaw, among others. As a versatile performer, she has led her own ensembles and participated in projects such as Ralph Peterson’s Next Generation Big Band and David Virelles’ Nosotros Ensemble. Ryu is the winner of the 15th UNISA International Piano Competition and the 2025 Jazz Gallery Residency Commission. She currently serves as an associate professor at Berklee College of Music.   Walter Stinson | Bass Walter Stinson is a bassist, educator and composer currently based between Brooklyn, NY and Montréal, QC. After graduating from Purchase College in 2012, he moved to New York City where he has been working steadily ever since. Some of his most frequent collaborators include Adam O’Farrill, Kevin Sun, Max Light and Aaron Quinn. He has shared stages all over the world with Billy Hart, John Hollenbeck, Caroline Davis, Kenny Werner, Roy Nathanson, Arturo O’Farrill, Anna Webber, David Binney and Jean-Michel Pilc. In 2025, Stinson, along with pianist Evan Main and drummer Steven Crammer, released their eponymous collaboratively-led piano trio “Prawntail” on Endectomorph Records. Originally from Ithaca, NY, Stinson began studying the upright bass at the age of 10. His first exposure to music came from his mother, a pianist who would sing and play jazz standards. While growing up in Ithaca, he also had the good fortune of being mentored by two unsung heroes of the New York City jazz scene, bassist Bernie Upson and drummer George Reed as well as being under the tutelage of Nicholas Walker, a protégé of Francois Rabbath. Along his educational journey, Stinson also studied privately with Doug Weiss, Todd Coolman, Kermit Driscoll, Scott Colley, Stephan Crump, Greg August, and William Parker. Walter continues to tour worldwide, devoting himself to a variety of improvised and creative music.   Jimmy Macbride | Drums Since moving to New York in 2009, drummer Jimmy Macbride has established himself as one of the most exciting and creative young voices on his instrument. Named as one of “25 For the Future” by Downbeat Magazine, Macbride is an extremely in-demand and highly regarded sideman, valued for his musicality, versatility, and adept touch on his instrument. Coming from an artistic family (his father was a composer and mother is a visual artist), Jimmy began playing drums at age 3 and gravitated toward jazz music at an equally young age. He is a graduate of the Juilliard School, where he studied with Carl Allen, Billy Drummond, and Kenny Washington. Since finishing his studies, Macbride has worked some of the most important voices in jazz, including Terence Blanchard, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Jimmy Greene, Kevin Hays, and Steve Nelson. He regularly performs throughout New York City, at venues such as Dizzy’s Club, Smalls, The Jazz Gallery, and The Blue Note. In addition, Jimmy’s musical skills have also taken him worldwide, affording him the opportunity to perform at clubs and festivals on five continents, including the Newport Jazz Festival, North Sea Festival, and Monterey Jazz Festival. A testament to his artistic range and willingness to be part of any musical situation, Jimmy can be seen performing and touring regularly with a wide variety of artists and groups, encompassing a vast array of styles. Some of these include Manuel Valera, Samuel Torres, Troy Roberts, Michael Rodriguez, Marshall Gilkes, Mike Moreno, Dave Kikoski, Nir Felder, Eldar Djangirov, and his wife and frequent collaborator Miki Yamanaka, among many others. He is also noted for his powerful and supportive drumming in a big band setting, appearing with the Mingus Big Band, Ryan Keberle’s All Ears Orchestra, and the Terraza 7 Big Band regularly. An active recording artist, Macbride has appeared on over 70 albums as a sideman to date.   Hayoung Lyou Trio   Hayoung Lyou | Jazz Pianist Hayoung Lyou (b. 1992, Seoul, South Korea) is a pianist and composer based in New York City. Her latest album, The Myth of Katabasis (Endectomorph Music), featuring Thomas Morgan and Steven Crammer, has received critical acclaim from publications including DownBeat and Il Manifesto. Her music explores the intersections of bebop, free improvisation, and modern classical idioms, creating a sonic language that expresses the complexity of human emotion beyond words. She performs actively across the New York and New England regions and is also a member of Elijah Shiffer’s Dada bebop ensemble featuring James Paul Nadien and Dmitry Shenko/Anna Abondolo.   Steven Crammer | Drums Steven Crammer is an in-demand drummer based in Brooklyn, NY. His uniquely flexible musicianship has led to a rising stature on the jazz scene, since moving to NYC in 2018. Steven has released two albums, both with co-led projects. His debut album Nortonk was released on Biophilia Records in 2021. The album received praise in multiple publications including Pop Matters, Jazz Trail, Jazzwise, and All About Jazz. In November 2025, his piano trio Prawntail released their first record on Endectomorph Music. He is also a highly active sideman, having performed and/or recorded with a broad range of artists including Max Light, Cecil Alexander, Marty Ehrlich, Brian Krock, Matt Pavolka, Chris McCarthy, and many more. You can catch Steven regularly playing in NYC in a wide variety of settings as well as on tour across the US, Canada, and Europe.   Walter Stinson | Bass See artist biography above.   Jihee Heo Trio   Jihee Heo | Jazz Pianist Jihee Heo is a South Korean pianist and composer based in New York City, recognized as a distinctive voice in the contemporary jazz scene. Over the past 15 years, she has developed a unique musical identity that bridges Korean musical sensibility with the traditions of jazz, soul, and gospel, creating a sound that is both deeply rooted and forward-looking. Heo has performed at major venues and festivals including Smalls, Mezzrow, Birdland, the Guggenheim Museum, Dizzy’s Club at Jazz at Lincoln Center, Zinc Bar, The Django, and Sunset Sunside in Paris. She has been praised by saxophonist Vincent Herring as “a promising voice at the piano, pointing to the future of jazz.” She studied in Amsterdam before earning her Master’s degree from the Manhattan School of Music. Her work explores themes of identity, migration, and artistic evolution, offering emotionally rich and narrative-driven musical expression.     Boris Kozlov | Bass Moscow born, three-time Grammy Award winning acoustic and electric bassist, composer and arranger Boris Kozlov has been on the New York & international jazz scene for the past 35 years. In addition to his own projects and co-leading OPUS 5, he has been serving as a bassist, arranger & musical director for the Mingus Big Band, Mingus Dynasty and The Orchestra for 22 years, winning a Grammy in 2011 for their Live at The Jazz Standard album. Boris has also been a first-call bassist for the likes of Michael Brecker, John Blake, Ray Barretto’s New World Spirit, Lew Tabackin, David Kikoski, Alex Sipiagin, Jean-Michel Pilc, John DiMartino, The Manhattan Transfer and many others. His playing & arranging can be heard on nine Grammy nominated albums plus Eddie Palmieri’s Grammy-winning Simpatico (in addition to 160+ other albums). In 2019 he recorded on another Grammy winning album, Brian Lynch’s The Omni-American Book Club. Boris also performs solo bass and teaches masterclasses around the world.   Chris Beck | Drums With the release of his debut album, The Journey, Chris Beck is making a name for himself on the New York scene as a hard-swinging, powerhouse drummer and composer. Beck’s refreshing and soulful vision as an artist is on full display, as is his unique ability to pay homage to the classic straight-ahead style of jazz while infusing elements of his African roots and Gospel upbringing. Born into a musical family, Chris Beck, a native of Philadelphia, PA has been exposed to music from a young age. Deciding to make music a career, he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from Temple University in 2004. In 2006, Beck moved to New York City to establish himself on the jazz scene. After settling in New York, he began studying with highly esteemed master drum teacher, Michael Carvin. In 2010, Beck graduated with a Master’s Degree in Music from Rutgers University’s Mason Gross School of the Arts, where he studied with Victor Lewis. Chris Beck currently performs with talented musicians such as Cyrus Chestnut, Oliver Lake, and Grammy nominated Rufus Reid. He has also been blessed to share the stage with renowned musicians such as McCoy Tyner, legendary Motown recording artist Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, James “Blood” Ulmer, The Mingus Big Band, David Murray, Billy Harper, Curtis Fuller, James Spaulding, Harold Mabern, Charles Fambrough, Mulgrew Miller, Wynton Marsalis, Terell Stafford, Tim Warfield Jr., Nicholas Payton, Roy Hargrove, Wycliffe Gordon, Orrin Evans, Bruce Barth, Nicole Henry, Jennifer Holliday, Macy Gray, Mark Whitfield, Derrick Hodge, Ralph Bowen, Joanna Pascale, Joe Locke, Duane Eubanks, Eric Lewis, and many others around the world.  

The Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. (KCCDC) is pleased to partner with the Trump-Kennedy Center to present fusion ensemble Korean Fever on February 19 for The Legacy of Light, Korea!, a dynamic music, dance, and DJ showcase celebrating the Lunar New Year on the Millennium Stage.   Korean Fever, a diverse ensemble of world music artists led by gayageum zither master Rami Seo, fuses traditional Korean music with contemporary creative compositions, offering a distinctly immersive cultural experience. The Legacy of Light, Korea! weaves together K-Classic, K-Pop, K-Jazz, and Korean traditional performing arts with global styles, transforming five millennia of Korean cultural heritage into a powerful artistic narrative of resilience, hope, and emotional depth.   This event also marks the Lunar New Year, an important traditional holiday of communion celebrated in Korea and elsewhere in 2026 officially on February 17. For their debut at this prestigious venue, Korean Fever will showcase the uniqueness of creative Korean music in a 60-minute performance that blends traditional Korean and Western instruments with live K-Pop inspired dance and DJ sets.  The ensemble features Rami Seo (gayageum, Korean Fever founder), guitarist Ho-Kyung Choi, contrabassist Jeong-Hwan Park, drummer Peter Manheim, vocalists Rina Kim and Eun-Ki Park, DJ Larry Jung, K-pop dance group ALLNIGHTERS (Clara Kim, Seunga Park, Evgeniya Yanzhuraeva), and media artist Sunghyun Jang. Featured Performers Rami Seo | Gayageum Hokyung Choy | Guitar Ian Kang | Bass Peter Manheim | Drum Rina Kim | Vocals Eunki Hera Park | Vocals Guest Performers | Abigail Sieun Lee, Ariana Siel Lee, Antonio Camardi, Ayoung OliviaPark, Bomi Kim, David Hanju Youk, Dayeon Lee, Ellis Jinyoung Park, Gianluca Camardi, Hanniel Kim, Lime Park, Marcello Camardi, Minji Kim, Nathanael Siyoo Lee, Nayun Lee, Raham Park West1ne (Larry Jung) | DJ ALL NIGHTERS (Clara Kim, Christina Lee, Evgeniya Yanzhuraeva) | Dance Sunghyun Jang | Media Arts The Legacy of Light, Korea!  A Lunar New Year Celebration featuring World Music Ensemble Korean Fever  Thursday, February 19, 6:00 PM  Millennium Stage, The Trump Kennedy Center Tickets are free, with advance reservations available beginning Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. via the Kennedy Center website: RSVP FOR THIS EVENT! About the Artists   Korean Fever began in 2019 with Korean Fever: Returns and carrying the hope that Korea—having experienced remarkable economic growth and a cultural renaissance from the 1988 Seoul Olympics through the 2000s—would once again enter a new season of prosperity following the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics. Although the pandemic brought significant challenges, Korean Fever views this as an opportunity for Korea to reveal its potential as a future global leader in economy, culture, and other fields. Since its launch, Korean Fever has completed tours across Korea, East Africa, and three states in the United States, as well as performances throughout Europe (France, Italy, Belgium, Germany), Uzbekistan, Mexico, Israel, Indonesia, and India. Continuing this momentum, Korean Fever is embarking on a world tour aiming to inspire dreams, share Korea’s artistic legacy, and bring healing to audiences across Asia, Central Asia, Eastern Europe, and South Africa. Korean Fever provides opportunities for not only Koreans, but also people from all over the world who love Korean culture and Koreans to experience a variety of music genres, from Korean traditional music to K-pop. By sublimating the lives and sufferings unique to immigrants into performing arts, Korean Fever aims to deliver comfort and hope to Koreans and immigrants worldwide. Korean Fever takes as its mission to support the lives of immigrants and inspire pride as Koreans and in Korean culture.   Rami Seo | Leader of Korean Fever, Gayageum Player Rami Seo is an internationally acclaimed gayageum artist whose work bridges ancient Korean traditions with contemporary global music. She trained in Seoul under world-renowned masters, including several holders of Korea’s National Intangible Cultural Heritage titles. She graduated with top honors from the National Gugak High School and the Seoul National University of Traditional Arts, and later served as valedictorian at Chung-Ang University. She is currently completing her Master’s degree in Ethnomusicology at Hunter College. With more than 3,000 performances across Korea, Japan, China, Malaysia, India, Uzbekistan, Israel, France, Italy, Belgium, Germany, Kenya, Tanzania, the United States, Panama, Nicaragua, Honduras, Trinidad and Tobago, and Mexico, Ms. Seo has appeared on many of the world’s most prestigious stages. Her credits include Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Jazz at Lincoln Center (as the first Korean artist to perform), the United Nations, the Kennedy Center, the Smithsonian Institution, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Blue Note, Smalls Jazz Club, Flushing Town Hall, Symphony Space, La MaMa, and major international theaters and festivals. Since 2007, she has led Rami Seo’s World Music Ensemble and GEMiNY as founder and music director. She is also a prominent radio host on AM1660 K-Radio. Her ongoing world tour project, Korean Fever, continues to share Korea’s artistic legacy and inspire audiences around the globe.   Ho-kyung Jesse Choy | Guitar Jesse Choy is a highly versatile guitarist known for his natural lyricism, fluency across diverse musical languages, and refined technical command. Equally respected as a performer and educator, he has built an international career grounded in musical depth and integrity. Born and raised in Seoul, Korea, Jesse began his musical training in classical guitar and composition before discovering jazz through the music of Wes Montgomery. After gaining recognition through numerous competitions, he quickly established himself as one of Korea’s most in-demand guitarists. He later received a scholarship to Berklee College of Music, completing his undergraduate degree in just two and a half years, followed by a master’s degree in Jazz Studies from New York University. He has completed all coursework toward a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) degree and is currently finishing his dissertation. Now based in New York City, Jesse remains an active presence on the jazz scene, performing at leading venues and collaborating with distinguished musicians. His compositions and performances have been presented throughout the United States and Europe. As a faculty member at multiple universities, he is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of musicians.   Peter Manheim | Drums & Percussion Peter Manheim is a drummer and percussionist from Evanston, Illinois. He holds a bachelor’s degree in music from the Oberlin Conservatory, where he studied with acclaimed drummers Billy Hart and Jamey Haddad. Currently based in Brooklyn, Peter performs regularly throughout New York City as well as nationally and internationally with a wide range of ensembles. His debut EP, In Time, was released in 2023 on Northern Spy Records, followed by a full-length album, Early Waves, released in 2025 on his own label, Nü Bossa Recordings. Rina Kim | Soprano Soprano Rina Kim is a New York–based performer and vocal educator active in both classical music and musical theatre. She holds degrees from Ewha Womans University, the Mannes School of Music, and Teachers College at Columbia University, and is also a full-scholarship graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA). She made her musical theatre debut in The King and I alongside Lou Diamond Phillips and has since performed in productions and concerts across the United States as a member of Actors’ Equity Association. As a classical soprano, she is a winner of the Artist International Competition and has appeared in recital at Carnegie Hall and Merkin Concert Hall. Ms. Kim currently serves on the voice faculty at Poly Prep Country Day School and is completing coursework in voice science at New York University. She is preparing the release of her debut album following a recording collaboration with the Hungarian MAV Orchestra.   Eunki Hera Park | Vocals Eunki Hera Park is a versatile vocalist based in New York and New Jersey, known for her expressive style and strong command of Korean popular music. She won first place in a major pop vocal competition in New York and previously received top honors at a collegiate music festival in Korea. As the lead vocalist of a live band and a beloved radio personality for three years, she has captivated audiences with her dynamic performances and engaging stage presence. Hera continues to promote Korean music and connect with listeners through her distinctive voice.   Larry Jung (west1ne) | DJ & Music Producer Larry Jung, professionally known as west1ne, resides in New Jersey and is originally from Queens, New York. He has been an active music producer for over 15 years, working across a wide range of genres. His career includes a platinum record with artist Joji and widespread respect from peers and mentors within the industry. In recent years, Larry has expanded his artistic practice to DJing and audio engineering, curating music for live performances and producing large-scale events. He has also been involved in producing cultural events such as Manse, which explore and celebrate Korean American identity. He is passionate about sharing his experience in music production and continuing to contribute to the cultural and creative community.   ALLNIGHTERS (Clara Kim, Seunga Park, Evgeniya Yanzhuraeva) | Dance Crew ALLNIGHTERS is a New York City–based K-pop dance team founded by Clara Kim. The group is known for its high-energy dance covers and signature one-take performance videos filmed in Times Square. Blending expression, musicality, and group synchronization, the team aims to bridge fan culture with professional performance. Under Clara Kim’s leadership and creative direction, ALLNIGHTERS has built a strong digital presence, with their YouTube channel surpassing 120,000 subscribers and performance videos averaging over 300,000 views. Notable performances include K-Pop Club Night, Korea Fest, and the Annual Korean Parade & Festival hosted by KAAGNY. In 2025, the team earned first place at both the NJKACC K-Pop Dance Contest and the Skyview High K-Pop Cover Competition.

Join us at the Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. (KCCDC) for a K-Art Song Storytelling Workshop: Re-imagining Peace and Humanity, a performance, discussion, and workshop at the intersection of traditional Korean music and poetry, presented in partnership with the K-Art Song Cultural Bridge Project.   Experience live performances of Korean art songs, a genre known in Korean as gagok (가곡), that synthesize music and poetry with lyrical storytelling that reflects the complex modern history of the Korean Peninsula. Through collaborative narrative discourse with participants, this workshop intends to not only introduce the genre’s unique artistry but to awaken a collective sense of compassion and shared moral imagination, inviting listeners to re-imagine global peace together.   Art songs, also known as Lied music, are a traditional form of sung poetry. In Korea, this operatic, classically-minded genre adapts a European concept with Korean aesthetics, expression, and musicality, often integrating works by influential 20th century Korean poets like independence activist Yun Dong-ju (1917-1945) and others.   Through the “K-Art Song” medium, this event aims to evoke sound- and emotion-based dialogues and lyric-centered conversations. Participants are invited to join in this collaborative process by sharing their own experiences, co-creating stories of empathy and cultural solidarity on the path toward peace.   K-Art Song Storytelling Workshop: Re-imagining Peace and Humanity Thursday, December 11, 2025 at 6:00 PM Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. Free with an RSVP (below) RSVP FOR THIS EVENT!   About the K-Art Song Cultural Bridge Project   The K-Art Song Cultural Bridge Project, affiliated with the Narrative Transformation Lab at the Carter School, seeks to cultivate shared experiences of the narratives embedded in Korean art song through storytelling and collective narrative discourse with international audiences. As a nexus model that interweaves live performance with participants’ narrative exchanges, the project aims to evoke empathy, foster moral imagination, and contribute to peacebuilding and community building—bridging intercultural narratives through creativity and imagination.   By integrating artistic expression with dialogue-based methodologies, the K-Art Song Cultural Bridge Project explores how Korean art songs can be not only a cultural treasure but also a medium for cross-cultural communication—advancing empathy, fostering intercultural understanding, and contributing to sustainable peace. The K-Art Song Cultural Bridge Project connects emerging young professionals, composers, researchers, and storytellers across Korea, the United States, and a wider global community, cultivating a network dedicated to creative peace advocacy, collaborative learning, and inclusive global engagement. For more about the organization, visit www.k-artsongculturalbridgeproject.org.   Program   Part 1: Fostering Imagination through Sound and Emotion Live Performances and Open Dialogue   Self-portrait (Written by Yun Dong-ju, Composed by YoungJu Jung) Baritone David Maeng, Pianist Austin Reed   Prologue (Written by Yun Dong-ju, Composed by YoungJu Jung) Bass Josh Slutsky, Pianist Austin Reed   A Night for Counting Stars (Written by Yun Dong-Ju, Composed by YoungJu Jung) Soprano Nancy McClain, Tenor Ross Calvin, Pianist Austin Reed   Part 2: Storytelling and Interweaving a Peace Narrative Storytelling, Live Performances, and Open Dialogue   Bimok (Written by Hahn Myung Hee, Composed by Sungeun Jo) Soprano Nancy McClain, Soprano Julianne Kim, Mezzo-Soprano Rebecca Rock, Pianist Austin Reed   Dream Road (Written by Kim Sowol, Composed by Sungeun Jo) Tenor Jiheon Sung, Tenor Ross Calvin, Soprano Nancy McClain, Soprano Julianne Kim, Pianist Austin Reed   Part 3: Sharing Takeaways & Narrative Transformation Activity Closing Remark & Networking  

The Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. (KCCDC) proudly welcomes the Korea National Opera to the Capital region for a performance of Opera Voyage, a dynamic showcase of classical arias, art songs, original creative works, and Korean tradition-inspired opera, free and open to the public with registration on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at 7:00 PM at Capital One Hall in Tysons, Va.   This performance, jointly organized by the KCCDC and the Korea National Opera under Artistic Director Choi Sang-ho, is part of the Touring K-Arts program that highlights diverse aspects of traditional and popular Korean culture globally and is sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Foundation for International Cultural Exchange. The esteemed national opera company’s North American tour includes stops in New York, Washington D.C., Los Angeles, and Ottawa, Canada.   Opera Voyage will feature a dynamic and passionate operatic stage performance led by the young artists of the Korea National Opera, showcasing the excellence of Korean classical vocalists while fostering deeper artistic exchanges between Korea and the United States. This concert represents an important opportunity to elevate mutual understanding through art.   The program will blend Korean operatic tradition with Western classical opera arias, offering a diverse musical journey in one evening that includes performances from the company’s acclaimed original opera Cheonsangyeonbun. The performance will combine traditional Korean folk music with a modern classical sensibility, incorporating Korea’s most famous songs and folk tunes with the goal of sharing the captivating qualities of Korean music with local audiences.   The company’s tour features seven distinguished Korean artists: sopranos Kim Hee-jeong and Koo Na-woon, tenors Kim Seong-hyun and Kim Jae-yeol, baritones Kim Young-hoon and Park Seung-bin, and pianist Park So-hong. For more about the company, visit the official website of the KNO.  Korea National Opera: Opera Voyage  Wednesday, October 8 at 7:00 p.m.  The Vault at Capital One Hall (7750 Capital One Tower Rd, Tysons, VA 22102) RSVP Coming Soon!    About the Company Founded in 1962 and established as an independent foundation in 2000, the Korea National Opera (KNO) is Korea’s leading opera company. As a national arts organization, KNO presents world-class productions and plays a central role in the development of opera in Korea. The company is committed to making opera accessible through its programs such as Regional Touring Opera, the KNO Vocal Concours, and the KNO Studio, nurturing new talents and providing educational opportunities for both professionals and the public.   The KNO operates an on-site training program to foster emerging opera professionals: the Korea National Opera Studio – Young Artist Program. Each year, young graduates in vocal performance, directing, coaching, and stagecraft are selected for intensive training in music, languages, acting, humanities, and stage techniques. Through international partnerships—most notably with the Deutsche Oper Berlin—participants gain invaluable global experience.

RSVP FOR THIS EVENT! FREE ADMISSION!  Friday, Sept. 19 at 7:30 PM   |   Saturday, Sept. 20 at 7:30 PM Maximum of 4 reservations per person. Both dates feature the same program.  Please note that our registration form has been updated, but all previous RSVPs will be honored!  The Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. (KCCDC) proudly presents Melodies of Peace, a spectacular two-day joint concert event celebrating the enduring friendship and vibrant history of cultural exchange between the Republic of Korea and the United States featuring groups POET and G-Hwaja at the Kennedy Center on September 19 and 20.   As Korean culture continues to captivate audiences around the world, this special event held in honor of Korea’s 80th Liberation Day has been thoughtfully curated to delight and inspire, showcasing the culture of innovation that defines Korean arts and entertainment.   Headlining the concert are Korea’s acclaimed “popera” (pop opera) group POET and the renowned New York–based fusion band G-Hwaja—two pioneering ensembles that masterfully blend musical genres and styles from both countries. The evening will feature stirring tributes inspired by themes of freedom and resilience, selections from the celebrated musical Hero, popular K-pop hits, and beloved songs from Korean films and television dramas.   National Liberation Day, celebrated annually on August 15 and known in Korean as Gwangbokjeol, meaning “restoration of light,” is a national holiday commemorating the end of colonial rule in Korea in 1945 at the close of World War II. The year 2025 marks Korea’s 80th National Liberation Day, a particularly auspicious occasion.   Melodies of Peace will feature an extraordinary fusion of musical expressions, highlighting the richness of collaboration between Korean and American performers. Audiences can look forward to a one-of-a-kind cultural experience and a rare opportunity to immerse themselves in the energy and excitement of the multi-genre Korean Wave, also known as Hallyu.   Through this performance, the KCCDC aims to not only commemorate the legacy of Korean independence and the Korea-US Alliance, but to further deepen societal cultural connections, foster mutual understanding, and showcase the unifying power of music in the spirit of cultural diplomacy. This event is an external rental presented in coordination with the Kennedy Center Campus Rentals Office and is not produced by the Kennedy Center.   Melodies of Peace: A Commemorative Concert Marking 80 Years of Korean Liberation Friday, September 19 & Saturday, September 20, 2025 at 7:30 P.M. each day Terrace Theater, The Kennedy Center (2700 F St NW, Washington, DC 20566)   About the Performers: POET   POET, a four-member male “popera” (pop opera) group from South Korea, was formed in 2013. Their music combines classical vocal techniques with delicate yet powerful harmonies, delivering each song as if a poet were reciting a heartfelt work. Through their performances, POET aims to give audiences “the strength to live another day.”   POET has performed extensively in Korea and internationally, including in Japan, China, Thailand, Iran, Vietnam, and Indonesia, leading a new wave of K-Popera beyond Korea. Their appearances include national events, award ceremonies, commemorative ceremonies, concerts, and broadcasts such as the KBS Open Concert and Immortal Songs. POET was awarded the Korea Culture and Arts Awards for two consecutive years in 2018 and 2019. Their four released albums are Dream, I Love You, The Prayer, and CACTUS.   Artists   Hwang Hojung | Team Leader, Tenor Hwang Hojung has led POET since 2013 as the team’s leader. With outstanding emotional delivery and a soulful tone, he primarily guides the melody line and is responsible for the distinctive color of POET’s music with his dramatic high notes.   Song Seunghoon | Tenor Song Seunghoon is a lyric tenor with a sweet voice and a wide range, responsible for the high part in the group. He graduated from the Vocal Music Department at Korea National University of Arts and completed his master’s degree in the United States, earning the nickname “Andrea Bocelli of Korea” for his exceptional talent.   Kim Yongsung | Lyric Tenor Kim Yongsung is a powerful lyric tenor whose passion and dedication to music are evident, despite starting his musical journey later than others. He is an all-around tenor capable of performing across diverse musical genres.   Roheon |  Baritone Roheon is the youngest member of POET and serves as the group’s mood maker. With model-like visuals and a grand baritone tone, he is beloved by many female fans and is regarded as the prince of popera. About the Performers: G-Hwaja   G-Hwaja performs creative music through a combination of Western and Korean traditional instruments, blending diverse tones and styles. The group seeks to express the emotions of the times dramatically by utilizing the uniquely expressive characteristics of Korean traditional music—particularly the sense of excitement known as heung, and its bittersweet sense of grief, known as han—to deliver familiar music with new emotional dimensions. G-Hwaja strives to popularize Korean traditional music by presenting a dynamic and vivid image of Korea to the modern world. Following the group’s founding, G-Hwaja had its first performance at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.   Artists   Junghee Oh | Team Leader, Gayageum Byeong-chang, Pansori Junghee Oh is a certified trainee of Korea’s National Intangible Cultural Heritage in Gayageum Sanjo and Byeong-chang. She earned her Master’s degree in Korean music from Chung-Ang University and teaches at Seoul Institute of the Arts and Sangmyung University. She serves as music director of G-Hwaja and actively performs in the NY/NJ metropolitan area.   Grace Leekyung Kang | Haegeum, Vocal Dr. Grace Leekyung Kang graduated from Korea National High School of Traditional Arts and Yong-In University, and earned her Ph.D. in traditional Korean music from Hanyang University. She is a gold prize winner at the Nan-Gye Korean Traditional Music Competition and a certified successor of the National Intangible Cultural Heritage “Gasa.” She performs with G-Hwaja and promotes traditional Korean music worldwide.   You Shin Kim | Composer, Arranger, Keyboard You Shin Kim graduated from Berklee College of Music with a degree in Film Scoring. He co-wrote “Mother” for singer Seung Chul Lee and composed and arranged music for the musical King David. He serves as composer, arranger, and keyboardist for G-Hwaja, blending classical, pop, jazz, and traditional Korean music in his work.   Song Eun Shin | 25-string Gayageum Song Eun Shin graduated from Korea National High School of Traditional Arts and Chung-Ang University. She is an award-winning 25-string gayageum player who has performed internationally, including at the Shanghai Expo and the G20 Summit, and is an active member of G-Hwaja.   Woosung Jung | Daegeum & Wind/Percussion Instruments Mr. Woosung Jung is a designated practitioner of Korea’s National Intangible Cultural Heritage “Daegeum Jeongak” and a versatile performer of wind and percussion instruments. He has performed in Korea, China, and the United States, including at Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and Lincoln Center, and teaches traditional Korean music to students worldwide.   Daseul Kim | Bass Daseul Kim holds B.A. and M.A. degrees in Jazz Bass from William Paterson University and currently performs as a bassist with the U.S. Navy Band. He has collaborated with numerous renowned musicians and performed at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center.   Olivia Kim | Cello Olivia Kim, a Korean-American cellist, was raised in Chile and graduated from Pontifical Catholic University of Chile. She earned her Artist Diploma from Montclair State University and performs as a cellist and teacher in ensembles including the Adelphi Orchestra.   Whanho Oh | Drums Whanho Oh studied jazz performance at the City University of New York and is a New York-based drummer. He explores a wide musical spectrum centered on jazz, performing with refined sensitivity and dynamic expression.   Sungwon Kim | Guitar Sungwon Kim earned his M.A. in Jazz Studies from NYU and has performed in Broadway musicals including Wicked, Hamilton, and Frozen, and with top K-pop artists. He has collaborated with numerous international musicians and continues to perform and teach actively.     About the Program   Melodies of Peace brings together an extraordinary range of music on one stage. Audiences will journey from the dramatic highs of musical theater courtesy of POET, with songs like This is the Moment from Jekyll & Hyde and Let It Go from Frozen, to the infectious rhythms of global pop and classic rock, including Bruno Mars’ Uptown Funk and hits by Queen. Korean traditional folk songs such as Arirang, Saetaryeong, and Sukdaemori are reimagined with modern arrangements by G-Hwaja, performed in collaboration with artists who bridge Eastern and Western styles. The program also weaves in medleys from The Beatles, popular K-pop songs, and cherished Korean classics, Experience Korea’s rich tapestry of music, where tradition and contemporary sounds, East and West, will all come together in a single, unforgettable performance.   The same program will be presented on September 19 and 20, including two acts featuring both groups each day.   Act 1 (POET)   1.The Danji Pact (from the musical theater production Hero) 2.This is the Moment (Jekyll & Hyde) 3:32 3.Let it Go, Into the Unknown (Frozen) 4:37 4.Summer Night (from POET’s third album) 3:10 5.Uptown Funk (Bruno Mars) 4:29 6.This is Me (The Greatest Showman) 3:54 7.Queen Medley (We Will Rock You, The Show Must Go On, & We Are the Champions) 6:01   Act 2 (POET & G-Hwaja)   1.Sae-Nal (Fusion Korean Traditional Song) 3:30 2.Fly Me to the Moon (Jazz Standard) 4:00 3.Liber Tango (Tango) 3:00 4.Saetaryeong (Korean Traditional Folk Song) 3:00 5.Sukdaemori (Korean Traditional Folk Song) 4:00 6.Arirang (Korean Traditional Folk Song) 4:00 7.Cinema Paradiso / Perfect (Film Music & Korean Traditional Fusion) 6:00 8.The Beatles Medley (Let it Be, Imagine, & Hey Jude) 6:00 9.K-pop Medley (covers of APT & Golden) 5:00 10.The Day (K-Drama Mr. Sunshine OST) 5:00 11.The Beautiful Land (Composed by Tae-su Han) 5:00