The Traditional Performing Arts Foundation is set to host 'Living Time, Masters Along the Way,' a special series of performances featuring regional masters, from June 9 to 12 at the Gwangmu Stage in Seoul's Traditional Performing Arts Creative Maru. Organized to commemorate the 2nd Gukak Day (National Korean Music Day), this event brings together revered masters from across the country to present the unique traditional artistry and profound depth of their respective regions. Audiences will have the opportunity to experience distinct performances each day and delve into the artistic worlds and life stories of these esteemed practitioners.
A Special Gukak Stage Exploring Deep Regional Traditions
The Traditional Performing Arts Foundation (Chairman Bae Young-ho) will present 'Living Time, Masters Along the Way,' a special performance series featuring regional masters, for four days from Tuesday, June 9 to Friday, June 12, at the Gwangmu Stage within the Traditional Performing Arts Creative Maru. This significant event, held during Gukak Week to commemorate the 2nd Gukak Day (National Korean Music Day), aims to invite masters of traditional performing arts from various regions across the nation to Seoul, highlighting their unique regional artistry and the profound depth of their traditions.
This special four-day performance will feature different regional masters each day, presenting diverse stages that span generations and geographies. A dedicated segment will allow the masters to engage in dialogue with a host, providing an intimate look into their artistic worlds and life stories as they continue the legacy of tradition. Beyond simply watching performances, attendees are expected to experience a deeper appreciation by connecting with the philosophical insights and artistic spirit of these masters.
Days One and Two: Highlighting the Unique Arts of Gangwon and Chungcheong
The opening day, June 9, will be dedicated to Gangwon Province. Performers include Bin Sun-ae, a National Intangible Cultural Heritage holder for the Gangneung Danoje Festival, alongside rising masters Choi Yeo-young and Lee So-young. The program will vividly portray the robust vitality of Gangwon Province, featuring folk music reflecting the rugged spirit of the Taebaek Mountains, North Korean traditional music, and a dynamic Pansori performance by Lee So-young, the first Pansori practitioner from Gangwon to win the Presidential Award.
Following this, on June 10, masters showcasing the elegance of Chungcheong Province will take the stage. The lineup includes Park Seong-hwan of the Korean Junggoje Pansori Promotion Institute, Kim Haeng-deok, a Transmission Education Instructor for Daejeon Metropolitan City Intangible Cultural Heritage 'Utdari Nongak,' and Lee Ae-ri, a Chungcheongnam-do Intangible Cultural Heritage holder for Seungmu (Buddhist monk dance). The performances will highlight the restrained aesthetic and dignified movements characteristic of Junggoje Pansori. Lee Ae-ri's profound Seungmu, notably as the granddaughter of the esteemed Chungcheong artist Master Shim Woo-hyang, is particularly anticipated.
Jeolla and Gyeongsang Provinces: Unveiling the Essence of Traditional Arts
On June 11, the stage will feature the vibrant energy and depth of the Jeolla (Namdo) region. This day will include Lee Nan-cho, a National Intangible Cultural Heritage holder for Pansori (Heungboga), Lee Myeong-hun, a Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province Intangible Cultural Heritage holder for Gochang Nongak, and Park Gi-ryang, Artistic Director of the Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province Traditional Korean Music Center Dance Company. Through Master Singer Lee Nan-cho's profound vocalizations and the artistry of next-generation masters embodying Jeolla's artistic prowess, audiences can savor the essence of Jeolla traditional arts.
The final day of performances, June 12, will culminate with masters embodying the spirit of the Gyeongsang (Yeongnam) region. The lineup includes Park Dae-seong, a Busan Metropolitan City Intangible Cultural Heritage holder for Ajaeng Sanjo (solo instrumental music for a bowed zither), Joo Woon-suk, a Daegu Metropolitan City Intangible Cultural Heritage holder for Pansori (Simcheongga), and Lee Jong-tae, a completer of the National Intangible Cultural Heritage 'Miryang Baekjungnori' (Miryang Baekjung Festival Play). Notably, Master Park Dae-seong, who has significantly contributed to folk music in the Busan and Gyeongnam regions, will make a rare appearance in Seoul, expected to deeply resonate with folk music enthusiasts in the metropolitan area.
Admission and Gukak Week Event Information
'Living Time, Masters Along the Way' performances will begin daily at 7:30 PM, from Tuesday to Friday. Tickets are priced at 20,000 won per seat and can be purchased through the online ticketing platform, Nol Ticket.
In addition to this special performance series, various Gukak events are scheduled nationwide during Gukak Week. Detailed schedules and further information can be found on the Traditional Performing Arts Foundation's official website.
