"A Year in Reflection: Gyeonggi Sinawi Orchestra 'Resonance 2022: Muk'"

'Silence' Theme Centered on Composer Lee Geonyong's Works
From Solo to Orchestra, Various Ensembles Gathered in One Place

Photo by Gyeonggi Sinawi Orchestra.

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] The Gyeonggi Sinawi Orchestra announced on the 23rd that it will hold its final repertoire season performance of 2022, "Resonance 2022: Mook(?)".

The performances will take place on December 2 at the Gyeonggi Arts Center Grand Theater and on December 3 at the Namyang Holy Mother Sanctuary Cathedral in Hwaseong.

First introduced in 2019, "Resonance" has pioneered a new genre of year-end concerts and is now in its fourth series this year. Under the broad concept of a "Concert Meditation," each session has offered audiences a time of meditation through music with a new theme.

This year's performance centers on the music of composer Lee Geonyong, who has seriously explored the direction of Korean contemporary music, choosing the theme of "Silence."

Composer Lee Geonyong has built a broad musical world that spans instrumental and vocal music, as well as Western and Korean traditional music. He has served as president of the Korea National University of Arts and director of the Seoul Opera Company.

In particular, Lee Geonyong has composed many works for Korean traditional instruments and Korean traditional orchestras, making this collaboration with the Gyeonggi Sinawi Orchestra noteworthy. Through his works, which possess the power to transcend eras via musical storytelling, audiences who have long thirsted for the musical essence of Korean traditional orchestras can expect a refreshing experience.

Composer Lee Geon-yong. Photo by Gyeonggi Sinawi Orchestra

"Resonance" has been praised for introducing the concept of a meditative music concert that encourages self-reflection and contemplation, moving away from the typical glamorous year-end music concerts. Despite being a concert, the stage was changed to a seated performance to allow the audience to feel comfortable while listening, transforming the experience from merely watching a concert to actively participating in meditation through various elements. It offers a time to reflect on the laws of nature forgotten in busy daily life and the mindset with which we live each day, as well as a valuable opportunity to look back on the past year.

This performance offers different musical charms depending on the venue. On December 2, the Gyeonggi Arts Center Grand Theater in Suwon will present a stage where audiences can immerse themselves in Lee Geonyong’s musical world through the Gyeonggi Sinawi Orchestra’s unique seated stage, lighting, and screen. The December 3 performance at the Namyang Holy Mother Sanctuary Cathedral in Namyang-eup, Hwaseong, is held at Korea’s first pilgrimage site dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The space is notable for its design by Mario Botta, known as the architect of the soul.

A representative of the Gyeonggi Sinawi Orchestra said, “This Resonance performance will be held in close cooperation with Namyang Holy Mother Sanctuary, a space where nature and light harmonize and where the acoustics are beautiful even without separate sound equipment. We hope the audience will have a new experience blending music in this beautiful space that aids meditation and reflection.”

Tickets for the performances can be purchased through the Gyeonggi Arts Center website and Interpark. The December 3 performance at Namyang Holy Mother Sanctuary is only open to advance ticket holders.

Hyang 2022: Muk 默 Performance Poster. Photo by Gyeonggi Sinawi Orchestra

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.