Samul nori, the South Korean percussion genre with powerful rhythmic forms, has reached international popularity. First created in Seoul in 1978 by a quartet of musicians, samul nori (which translates simply into "four things play") is a neo-traditional musical repertory that has been performed on many international stages by professional ensembles and amateur musical enthusiasts around the world. Professor Katherine In-Young Lee explores the history and development of samul nori… Read More

Celebrate the Year of Ox with a virtual concert by Ak Dan Gwang Chil a.k.a. ADG7! This award-winning Korean traditional music group's powerful and engaging performance will immerse audiences into a spiritual experience and bring blessings of positive energy to kick off a new year. The nine-member ensemble presents itself not as earnest traditionalists, but as a giddy show band with all the trappings of K-pop — choreographed singers, candy-colored… Read More

Photo credit: Ruth Hogben for ABT Listen to our conversation with Hee Seo, the first Asian ballerina to be named principal dancer - ballet's highest title - at the American Ballet Theatre, as she discusses her illustrious career and thoughts on the future of performing art. Her dancing and fluid line exude an unhurried purity that sums up all that is lovely about ballet. - The New York Times Sign… Read More

Award-winning singer-saxophonist-songwriter-composer Grace Kelly has built an incredible career in jazz, which includes the release of 13 acclaimed albums before entering her mid-twenties. In this Young Professionals’ Night webcast, Grace unpacks her stunning career in a chat with writer Will Friedwald. Join us as we dive into Grace’s musical journey -- from her first album release at the tender age of 12, to her performance at President Barack Obama’s 2009… Read More

On the Korean island of Man-Jae, three elderly haenyeos—sea women—spend their dying days diving into the ocean to harvest seafood. Across the globe on the island of Manhattan, a Korean-Canadian playwright, twice an immigrant, spends her days wrestling with the expectation that she writes “authentic” stories about her identity. This “fascinating, audacious and deftly satirical” new play by Celine Song, directed by Sammi Cannold, questions what we inherit and challenges… Read More

Join us for an evening of contemporary and traditional music presented by most notable performers of Korean traditional music today. This creative and original concert is assembled by performers who actively foster contemporary repertoire while perfecting and expanding historical techniques. In the program is a new monodrama The Suit by composer Michael Rose and librettist Ricahard Pels, based on Kim Young-Ha’s short story. The ensemble includes Sae-Yeon Jeong, p’ansori singer;… Read More

The Korea Society is pleased to welcome back the musicians of Korean Traditional Music Orchestra of the Blind. During the Joseon Dynasty, the royal palace provided education and training to musically gifted blind people then employed them as court musicians. Known as “Blind Kwanhyun,” these musicians performed during official engagements and royal festivities. In 2011, Siloam Welfare Center for the Blind in Seoul launched the Korean Traditional Music Orchestra of… Read More

Pansorist Saebom Shin offers her rendition of gugak, a traditional Korean vocal music, in this New Year performance. Shin performs Danga: Sacheolga, Chunhyang-ga, poet Jinee Hwang’s Longing for the Moon, and the folksong Taepyung-ga. Performers include gayakeumist Rami Seo, guitarist Hokyung Choy, tabla player Deen Singh, and guest vocalist Hera Yoon. + - Tickets Click to collapse The Korea Society Fellow, Patron and Corporate members: FREE with registration Tickets Members… Read More

Experience music without boundaries through the “Lautarian: Korean-Roma Project” with KoN, the first roma violinist in Korea, and Rami Seo, an accomplished gayakeumist and ethnomusicologist from New York. “Lautari” is an elite music group among Roma musicians. Performing artist, KoN, combines this with “an” from “Korean” and “musician” to describe nuevo Korean Roma music. Explore and experience the world of music featuring the harmony of Korean and Western musical instruments.… Read More

New York-based female alt-pop duo Lucite Tokki celebrate the release of their latest Single. Bandmates Ye Jin Cho and Sun Young Kim bring their unique mood and sound to The Korea Society. Message from the Artist: It has been a long time since we released our 4th album in 2016, and finally, here’s our new single, “good.” “good” is a sweet, lighthearted, and somewhat quirky love song. We hope this… Read More