Sunchon National University Successfully Concludes 'Sinaburo,' a Fusion of Pansori and Jazz

Baedong Baek Master Singer and Jazz Musician Fusion Group Jiri

Suncheon National University (President Lee Byung-woon) announced that on the 25th, it held an East-West collaboration performance titled "Sinaburo" featuring the fusion group "Chiri," centered around the world-renowned sorikkun (traditional Korean singer) Bae Ildong from Suncheon, and jazz pianist Jung Eun-hye at the campus Woosuk Hall to enhance the cultural capabilities of local residents and university members.

The performing group Chiri is a world-class fusion jazz group composed of Pansori master Bae Ildong, Australian jazz drummer Simon Barker, and jazz trumpet player Scott Tinkler.

[Photo by Suncheon National University]

Through a groundbreaking musical project that crosses "old and new, East and West," they break away from conventional music and inspire audiences worldwide, performing in places such as Australia, the Washington Summit Sonian, Israel, and Turkey with meaningful sounds.

Bae Ildong, who is also an ambassador for the 2023 Suncheon Bay International Garden Expo, hails from Seomyeon, Suncheon, and is recognized in the Pansori community as a sorikkun who carries on the tradition of goje (ancient style) Pansori. Since 2015, he has formed the group "Chiri," inspired by Jirisan Mountain, and has been presenting performances that blend Pansori and jazz.

Jazz pianist Jung Eun-hye, who performed together as an artist affiliated with the New York free jazz label ESP-Disk, studied piano and film music at Berklee College of Music in the United States. Deeply fascinated by the charms of Korean traditional music such as Pansori and Samulnori, she released a live performance album titled "Collision of Existences, Chida" in 2020 with master Bae Ildong.

In celebration of Family Month in May, Suncheon National University opened its campus wide to present unique cultural performances that are usually difficult for local residents and university members to experience. Despite being held on a weekday afternoon, many people from local elementary and middle schools, university students, and citizens came to the venue to enjoy the music.

After the performance, an impromptu Q&A session was held. It was impressive to see the performers unable to leave for a while as they continued answering the flood of questions from the audience, who showed curiosity and overflowing passion for the new music.

The audience commented on the fresh collaboration performance, saying, "I had never imagined combining Pansori with drums, trumpet, and piano background, but the unfamiliar yet familiar unique feeling was great," and "The Korean sound flowing between Western instruments was magnificent and well expressed the Han (deep sorrow) of the Korean people, making it a cultural event that touched my heart."

Suncheon National University President Lee Byung-woon said, "With the end of COVID-19 and the hosting of the International Garden Expo, exchanges within the local community have become more active, and the desire for new cultural and artistic performances is gradually growing," adding, "Suncheon National University will continue to present many projects to become a space that creates and nurtures the culture of Suncheon City together."

Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Heo Seon-sik hss79@asiae.co.kr

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