K-MUSIC FESTIVAL 2024
This October the renowned Korean Music Festival returns for its 11th edition and can now confirm the full programme of events, bringing an eclectic and diverse mix of some of Korea’s most important artists to the capital.
The festival opens on October 3 at the Barbican Centre with the National Changgeuk Company's highly anticipated new production of Lear. Changgeuk, a unique traditional Korean opera has been masterfully produced for contemporary audiences by the National Changgeuk Company since its founding in 1962. This premiere of "Lear"- a major restaging of Shakespeare’s greatest tragedy at the Barbican Centre will mark a significant milestone as their debut performance at this prestigious venue - an unmissable experience for the London audience.
This year’s K-Music Festival also presents an outstanding selection of some of Korea’s best female artists, with everything from jazz to classical music to sonic fusion. To mark her 30 year career as a jazz singer, Youn Sun Nah presents her 12th album Elles, a tribute to artists like Nina Simone to Roberta Flack, via Björk and Edith Piaf. Crossing eras and musical borders she’ll be joined by France’s finest pianist Bojan Z for an intimate concert at Islington’s Union Chapel on 6th October.
Well-known for her exceptional vocal mastery, soprano Hera Hyesang Park will make her K-Music Festival debut with a fresh reinterpretation of traditional Korean songs on 26th October at St John’s Smith Square following her concert at the Edinburgh International Festival this summer. She will be joined by pianist Bretton Brown and tenor David Junghoon Kim to perform songs from her acclaimed album "Breathe," along with traditional Korean folk songs.
On 31st October at Kings Place Hall, the legendary Black String, led by Youn Jeong Heo will premier music from their brand new album (out this autumn) along with music from their acclaimed albums, Mask Dance (2016) and Karma (2019).
To close the festival and in partnership with the EFG London Jazz Festival are two extraordinary Korean bands. First up is No-Noise, a dynamic ensemble led by both Lee Il-woo of the post-rock sensation Jambinai making their London debut on 15th November at the Southbank Centre. And finally the last event of this year’s programme is Heemoon Lee, the visionary and captivating vocalist of SsingSsing, who dazzled audiences in 2018 with his electrifying performance, returning to the Southbank Centre with his band, OBANGSINGWA to perform new album, 'SPANGLE’.
FULL FESTIVAL PROGRAMME:
K-Music Festival 2024: LEAR
(3-6 Oct. 2024, Barbican Theatre) TICKETS
Following their huge success at the Edinburgh International Festival, the National Changgeuk Company of Korea returns to the UK to open the K-Music Festival with Lear.
This major new production, critically acclaimed at its premiere in 2022, retells a familiar story in the form of Changgeuk. This culturally significant and artistically rich theatrical music form in Korea blends music, dance, and drama to create immersive storytelling experiences rooted in Korean tradition, pansori and its heritage.
Leading creatives include director and choreographer Jung Young-doo, Pai Sam-shik, one of the greatest playwrights of Korea, Pansori scores composed by Han Seung-seok, with music written by Jung Jae-il (Parasite, Squid Game) whose London debut concert was obviated by the audience at the Barbican Hall last year. Lee Tae-Sup’s stunning set design brings a quiet but vibrant world of water on stage, drawing us to the deep, bottomless abyss of the human mind.
The National Changgeuk Company of Korea (NCCK) is part of the National Theatre of Korea, and it has been presenting traditional Korean opera for the past six decades. This programme is presented in partnership with the Barbican and NCCK.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Scintillating from start to finish’ – The Guardian on NCCK’s Trojan Women at the 2023 Edinburgh International Festival
K-Music Festival 2024: Youn Sun Nah Duo with Bojan Z
(6 Oct. 2024, Union Chapel)
The enchanting voice of the remarkable Youn Sun Nah returns to the K-Music Festival with a new opus and a piano-voice duo tour following the success of Waking World and her quartet tour.
To mark her 30 years career as a female jazz singer, her 12th album Elles pays tribute to women's voices, and in particular to some of the singers who have marked Youn Sun Nah's career, from Nina Simone to Roberta Flack, via Björk and Edith Piaf, across eras and musical borders.
"I first heard Nina Simone's version of 'Feeling Good' when I was in high school," says Youn Sun Nah. "From the moment I decided to study jazz, I listened to her music all the time. Nina Simone is like a shaman. She's not just a singer - she is the music."
Recorded earlier this year in New York for the first time as a keyboard-voice duo with American pianist Jon Cowherd, this new album will be brought to the Union Chapel stage with Bojan Z, one of France's finest pianist for an intimate and unforgettable night of music.
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ‘Minimalism makes it harder to elide choices’ – Financial Times on album Elles
K-Music Festival 2024: Hera Hyesang Park with David Junghoon Kim
(26 Oct. 2024, St John’s Smith Square)
With her exceptional vocal mastery, soprano Hera Hyesang Park makes her K-Music Festival debut this year with a fresh reinterpretation of traditional Korean songs following her concert at the Edinburgh International Festival this summer.
Hera Hyesang Park, a Juilliard graduate known for her "brilliant tone" and "pure joy and excitement", merges her Korean heritage with Western training, creating a diverse musical experience.
‘It’s a celebration of vocal brilliance and cultural depth, promising a night of unforgettable music and emotional resonance’ – OperaWire
Joining her on stage is long musical companion, pianist Bretton Brown and tenor David Junghoon who will add an interesting layer to this rare concert. This show will also showcase highly acclaimed tunes from her new album Breathe.
David Junghoon Kim is a tenor whose accolades include wins at the Francisco Viñas, Voci Verdiane, and Toulouse singing competitions. Kim's powerful and emotive performances have earned him notable debuts at prestigious venues such as the Royal Opera House, Zürich Opera, and Glyndebourne Festival.
K-Music Festival 2024: Black String
(30 Oct. 2024, Kings Place Hall 1)
Tonight the Songlines Music Awards winner Black String will premier music from their brand new album out this autumn along with previous releases Mask Dance (2016) and Karma (2019).
Led by Youn Jeong Heo, the legendary master of geomungo (zither), the band includes: Jean Oh on guitars, Aram Lee on daegeum (flute) and yanggeum (hammered dulcimer) and percussionist and vocalist Min Wang Hwang. Black String creates extraordinary, enigmatic sounds from the ancient instruments and their unique musical language in a mix that swings comfortably between East and West, Korean folk and jazz.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘a spellbinding experience – The Guardian
⭐⭐⭐⭐ “no boundaries and relentless in its exploration of ever-fresh ingredients for sonic fusion” - Jazzwise
K-Music Festival 2024: SMTO No-Noise
(15 Nov. 2024, Purcell Room, Southbank Centre) TICKETS
Performing with the Seoul Metropolitan Traditional Orchestra (SMTO), No-Noise is a dynamic ensemble led by both Lee Il-woo, the visionary behind the post-rock sensation Jambinai and Sung Si Young, the artistic director and vocalist of the band.
No-Noise create a new powerful sound seamlessly blending traditional Korean instruments
such saenghwang(mouth organ), gayagem (zither with 12 strings), piri (double reed bamboo flute) and jing(large gong) with western sounds of guitar and synthesizer that is not noise but pure harmony.
Immerse yourself in the bustling energy of No-Noise's latest creation, 'Gwang Gwang, Geong
Geong,' a spellbinding composition inspired by the vibrant energy of 'Gwangjang' (Town Square) a historically significant open space where the voices of the people would converge. 'Gwang Gwang' evokes the deep, resonant toll of a grand bell, symbolising the square's enduring spirit. Whilst 'Geong Geong,' a Korean onomatopoeia for a loud sound, explodes into a lively cacophony, showcasing No-Noise's unmatched musical talent.
This production premiered in Seoul as part of Sync Next 2023 commissioned by the Sejong
Center, is one of the most esteemed cultural institutions in Korea. Their music captivated audiences with its enticing melodies and rhythmic pulse. Don't miss this opportunity to experience the transformative power of No-Noise firsthand.
This programme is presented in partnership with the EFG London Jazz Festival and the Sejong Center.
K-Music Festival 2024: Heemoon Lee’s SPANGLE
(23 Nov. 2024, Purcell Room, Southbank Centre) TICKETS
Heemoon Lee, the visionary and captivating vocalist of SsingSsing, who dazzled audiences at the Purcell Room in 2018 returns to the Southbank Centre with his band OBANGSINGWA to perform his new album, 'SPANGLE’.
A powerhouse of Korean music, Lee injects fresh energy and new life into time-honoured Korean folk songs (Minyo). Seamlessly blending Minyo with a kaleidoscope of genres – jitterbug, pop, dance, rock, and blues – Lee captivates audiences with his unparalleled talent and pioneering spirit.
Expect to be taken on a transcendental musical journey that knows no bounds. Featuring 'SPANGLE’, a psychedelic Neo Minyo masterpiece, their ridiculously funny show in distinguished costumes and theatrical twist will bring pure joy and transform the Southbank Centre into a vibrant dance club.
This programme is presented in partnership with the EFG London Jazz Festival.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘It’s fusion music that’s also enormous fun” - The Guardian on Ssing Ssing’s K-Music show.
Official Website:
www.kccuk.org.uk/k-musicfestival2024
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