Intro

The magical sound that challenges the notion of tradition, PARK Woo-jae Geomungo Extension

Synopsis

A geomungo, a traditional Korean six-stringed zither, had traditionally been a scholar’s instrument. While geomungo has not been welcomed in a contemporary orchestra/ensemble setting, PARK Woo-jae began to develop geomungo as a solo instrument. PARK Woo-jae Geomungo Extension is a piece that combines the traditional technique of using a suldae (a short bamboo stick) or hands, Park’s new technique of using a bow and of flipping the instrument, and a sound design that utilizes the performing space. Through the combination of Woo-jae's geomungo performance and the sound director KIM, Byoung-keuk’s sound design, the stereoscopic sound of both live performance and recorded music is conveyed to the audience.

Review

"PARK Woo-jae is an artist who is in the borderland between “experiment” and “art”, by exhibiting liberal and innovative music and sound … It is a historical moment to see him creating new sounds and techniques without an attempt to Westernize and modify traditional instruments."
- Artistic director of the National Orchestra of Korea, WON Il

"His unique performance showed an ideal stage that other geomungo musicians must pursue."
- Music critic, SONG Hyun-min

Photos and video

Creator / artist

BEONDI is a Korean traditional music management agency. The company directs performances and produces media products and publications of artists who engage in traditional music, world music, and music theatre genres. It also discovers talented artists and promotes them to domestic and international media and audiences. BEONDI received the Media Publication Award from KBS Korean Traditional Music Awards in 2013.

Promotion Infomation

TOUR SIZE
Performers : 1
Staff : 3

DURATION
20 min. (No intermission)

STAGE SIZE
Width : 8 m, Depth : 8 m, Height : 7 m

Contact

KIM, Na-rae

Interview Link