By John Redmond

Toronto ALPHA, the Toronto Association for Learning and Preserving the History of World War II in Asia presents a welcome, “pansori” and story-telling concert titled “Pansori Chunhyang-ga” on July 16 at the Art Hall Seoul Women’s Plaza in Daebang Dong.

Toronto ALPHA, was established in 1997. Through the dedication of volunteers and supporters, it has come a long way in promoting the awareness of the history of World War II atrocities in Asia through various educational initiatives.

The Peace and Reconciliation Study Tour offers educators a hands-on experience by visiting historical sites, museums and meeting with experts, educators, curators and survivors. Destinations in 2012 include locations in China, South Korea, and Hong Kong. In the future, Toronto ALPHA hopes to include sites in Japan and other Asian countries.

Beginning at 7 p.m. the concert features Pansori Chunhyang-ga. Pansori is a genre of musical storytelling delivered by a singer holding a fan in one hand, while accompanied by a drummer. Deep-rooted in 18th century Korea, Chunhyang-ga is the most romantic of the five known pansori stories. Chunhyang's story gives us a glimpse into the lives of Korean women in the past.

The performance features Kim Seung Ah who is a dynamic and charming storyteller who was inspired by listening to her grandmother’s stories as a young child. Her storytelling is engaging and interactive, bringing to life old Korean tales as a way of cross-cultural communication. Her “Arirang Nights of Storytelling Concerts” and “Pansori Storytelling Concerts” are enthralling and bring together audiences of all ages.

Also featured is Ga Yang Ryu, a beautiful and passionate pansori singer whose voice is powerful and soulful. Her performance gives people good energy sharing laughter and tears.

Tickets cost 15,000 won in advance (10,000 won for students) or 20,000 won on the door.

The venue is located at Daebang Station, subway line 1, exit 3.

The performance will be in English and Korean.