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The fusion gayageum band “Yeoul” |
By Chung Ah-young
Staff Reporter
Yeoul, a fusion gayageum (12-string traditional instrument) quartet, will hold a concert to celebrate the 5th anniversary of its debut at the M Theater of the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, Oct. 22
The quartet consists of four players ― Ki Sook-hee, Lee Su-eun, Ahn Na-rae and Park Min-jung ― and was formed in 2003.
The four members studied at Gukak National High School and graduated from the department of Korean traditional music at Ewha Womans University.
Yeoul plays a mixed variety of genres including jazz, rock, fusion and classic with their 25-string gayageums and an electric gayageum, which was invented by the group in 2005.
At the upcoming concert, the quartet will present ``Fisherman's Song: Invitation to the Island,'' composed by Jang Je-hun based on his feelings for the easternmost islets Dokdo.
The group will also perform pop music such as ``Dreaming,'' ``Canon Speedy,'' ``Hispanic Dance,'' ``Stairway to Heaven'' and fusion traditional music.
The Yeoul concert will be directed by dancer and producer Choi Soo-jin.
Yeoul invented two kinds of electric gayageum ― an 18-string gayageum (yeoulgeum) that can be hung on the shoulder, and a 25-string that is played on a support.
The members developed the electric gayageum to generate various ranges and tones, compared to the traditional instrument. Depending on the adjustment of the keys, it creates sounds an octave lower or retains a long trailing note like the electric guitar, with unique and clear sounds.
After the concert, Yeoul will concentrate on making its second album, which will be released next year. The group was formed with strong support of Hwang Byung-ki, a gayageum maestro, who named the quartet ``Yeoul'' wishing it would create a ripple of change in the Korean classical music scene. Since then, Hwang, who played the gayageum with a bow and released the unconventional album, ``Migung'' in 1970s, has supported the quarter's new experiments and activities.
The concert will be held at 8 p.m. at M Theater of Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in Seoul. Tickets cost 20,000 to 50,000 won. For more information, call (02) 720-3933.
chungay@koreatimes.co.kr
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yistory@koreatimes.co.kr
