The Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. (KCCDC) is proud to welcome the wildly innovative Korean percussion collective GongMyoung to the nation’s capital for a series of special events culminating in a free public performance and livestream on the Millennium Stage in partnership with the Kennedy Center on Feb. 5 at 6:00 p.m.

GongMyoung is renowned for its innovative reinterpretations of time-honored Korean music—with a modern jam-session flair, unconventional improvised instruments, and an effortless sense of cool. Formed in 1997, the group has the unique ability to recreate and rearrange traditional Korean music, showcasing the versatility and diversity of Korean culture through surprisingly approachable works.

Their performances often feature their namesake—a distinctive bamboo instrument they created, called the GongMyoung—plus a variety of wind and percussion instruments. As an ensemble, GongMyoung transcends genres in both their style and musical application, which includes major concerts, stage musicals, plays, dance performances, and film.

On Feb. 4, in coordination with the KCCDC, GongMyoung will conduct music workshops with DC public elementary school students and perform at the International Monetary Fund during its Lunar New Year celebration (both events not open to the public).

The culmination of the group’s tour in DC will be a free public performance on the Kennedy Center’s popular Millennium Stage at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 5 presented in partnership with the KCCDC. Tickets for this event go on sale January 22 at 10:00 a.m. More information and the livestream can be found on the Kennedy Center website.

GongMyoung 

Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 6:00 PM

Millennium Stage, The Kennedy Center (Washington, DC)

To reserve free tickets or watch the livestream, see the Kennedy Center announcement. 

RSVP FOR THIS EVENT!

About the Performers

GongMyoung’s global impact extends to over 50 countries and 130 international festivals. The group has been selected for some of the world’s largest art showcases and festivals, including performances at AAM 2001 in Singapore, GATEWAY 2006 in Mexico, APAP 2007 in New York, WOMEX 2008 in Spain, MIDEM 2009 in France, SXSW 2010 in Texas, and CINARS in 2007 and 2014 in Canada. They have performed at numerous international festivals including in Australia (Melbourne, Sydney), Norway (Ford), Sweden (Malmö, EBU Folk Festival), Italy (San Marino), China (Guangzhou), Germany (Pina Bausch), Canada (Vancouver), the Philippines, Zimbabwe (Harare), Mongolia (Playtime), Belgium (SFINKS Mixed Festival), and Taipei (WMF). 

Their performances in international diplomacy and cross-cultural exchange has taken GongMyoung across the globe as well, to India (New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai), Portugal, Greece, Bangladesh, the Philippines, China (Guangzhou), New Zealand (Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch), Chile, the USA (Los Angeles, Seattle, Boston), Vietnam, Japan (Tokyo), Brazil, Pakistan, the UAE, the UK (London), Germany (Wuppertal), Zimbabwe, Mauritius, Sweden, Bulgaria, Canada, Cambodia, Mongolia, Hong Kong, Egypt, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, France, Belgium, Taiwan, Romania, Nauru, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent, Trinidad and Tobago, and more. Their performances continue to expand globally, further cementing their place as a prominent cultural ambassador group.

Key Achievements

• ●Featured in elementary, middle, and high school textbooks under "Introduction to GongMyoung and their music"

• ●Actively participates in prominent international art markets including WOMEX, SXSW, APAP, CINARS, MIDEM, and AAM

• ●Performed in diplomatic exchanges across over 50 countries and at more than 130 international festivals

• ●Recognized with the 2018 Award of Recognition from Seoul Culture Today, Republic of Korea

• ●Awarded the 2012 Award of Recognition from the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Republic of Korea

• ●Received a Certificate of Recognition from the City of Los Angeles, State of California, in 2008

• ●Honored with the 2007 Award for Ensemble Traditional Korean Music Performance from KBS, Republic of Kore

Members

Director: Seo Hyungwon
Planning: Jeong Wooin

Musicians: Kyongkeun Song (Sogeum, Daegeum), Youngju Lim (Percussion), Sunil Kang (Janggu, Gayanggeum), Seungwon Park (Guitar, String Bamboo)

Performance Program

Walkabout

The term "walkabout" refers to a journey without a predetermined return. We are always on a journey. We can never return to the exact time and place we once started. The most important task during this journey is to learn about love.

Morning Sound (7 min)

"Morning Sound" features the unique sound and style of the small reed flute, the piri. Conversations between the piri and various percussive rhythms create a rich musical expression.

Cameloparadalis (8 min)

As the title track of GongMyoung’s second album, "Dreaming of a Long-Necked Giraffe," this piece reflects the harmony of East and West. The main melody is provided by the guitar and sogeum.

Tonghaeya (7 min)

Tonghaeya is the theme music of GongMyoung’s first album. It features traditional Korean instruments such as the sogeum, taepyeongso, and janggu, along with the GongMyoung, a self-titled musical instrument invented by the quartet. The song conveys GongMyoung’s wish to open people’s minds and bring them together.

Play with Us! (5 min)

Inspired by the familiar neung-gye musical motif, "Play with Us!" attempts to create a lively and playful atmosphere.

Sunflower (5 min)

Sunflower is an original piece with a joyful and beautiful melody, expressed through the sogeum, guitar, and percussion instruments, accompanied by Cajon, jaembe, triangle, egg shaker, and tambourine.

Gongmyungyoohee (7 min)

Here, the groups original bamboo GongMyoung and other instruments come together in an ensemble to present a joyful celebration.

Joy (5 min)

The melody from a tiger play serves as the backdrop for the song and dance performance of Joy. A sogeum made from a PVC pipe is also used.

Walkabout (8 min)

This piece reflects one’s journey, time of departure, and time of arrival, all determined by oneself. It sings about the special gift of the journey and features Australian folk instruments such as the Didgeridoo and Hoon.

With Sea (5 min)

With Sea explores the theme of the sea. It suggests that all creatures are born from the sea, or perhaps we are the sea itself. The piece highlights the preciousness of nature and relationships, urging us to sustain both with love. A unique Korean atmosphere emerges from the traditional Eonmorijangdan rhythm.

Arirang (5 min)

This new arrangement of the classic Arirang folks song features GongMyoung's own artistic sensibility ahead of a rousing curtain call.