Since 1948, the Korean region has been split into North and South. However, no matter how different the countries may be, they will always have one thing in common: Korean music. UCLA’s Korean Music Ensemble focuses on playing traditional Korean folk music. The Korean region has a rich musical tradition, dating back almost 5,000 years.
“Though Korean music is old, it can blend to new,” said Professor Dong Suk Kim, the ensemble’s director. “But Korean music is never modified too much. The main ingredients are always there.”
There are three groups that perform under the banner of the Korean Music Ensemble. The string ensemble performs the music of the gayageum, a Korean instrument with anywhere from 12 to 25 strings. The wind ensemble features instruments such as the piri, an oboe-like instrument that leads the orchestra. The drum ensemble performs traditional percussion pieces that involve long pounding rhythms that culminate in a loud, gratifying finale.
Currently, UCLA is the only school outside of Korea to offer such an expansive Korean music program.
“Eventually, North and South Korea will reunite,” said Kim.
“Until then, I hope UCLA can be the international center for Korean music.”