TAGUIG CITY — The rich, resonant melodies of Korea’s centuries‑old instruments will fill the Maybank Performing Arts Theater this Saturday, August 15, 2026. The Korean Cultural Center and the National Theater of Korea are presenting “Korean Sound,” a free concert that invites Filipinos to experience the beauty of traditional Korean music.
A Musical Journey Through Korea
The concert features 12 young artists selected from the National Orchestra of Korea’s Youth Educational Group, alongside a vocalist from the National Changgeuk Company. They will perform classical court music, folk songs, and modern ensemble pieces on authentic instruments like the gayageum zither and the daegeum bamboo flute. The program is designed as an introduction to the depth and emotion of Korean artistry.
One of the highlights is a pansori performance, a UNESCO‑recognized form of narrative singing. The vocalist will deliver “The Scene of Catching the Rabbit” from Sugungga, one of Korea’s five surviving pansori stories. The dramatic storytelling, accompanied by a single drummer, is a rare treat for Philippine audiences unfamiliar with this centuries‑old tradition.
Instruments That Tell Stories
Throughout the show, the musicians will showcase instruments that form the backbone of Korean court and folk music. The gayageum, a twelve‑string zither, produces soft, lyrical tones, while the geomungo offers deeper, more percussive resonance. Bamboo winds like the piri and daegeum add melodic lines that evoke Korea’s mountainous landscapes and ancient rituals. The ensemble’s blend of strings, winds, and percussion paints a vivid soundscape that has been passed down for generations.
A Special Finale of Friendship
The evening will close with a newly commissioned piece titled “Together Arirang.” The arrangement fuses iconic Filipino folk melodies with Korean instruments, creating a musical bridge between the two cultures. It is a gesture of friendship and a testament to the shared joy that music can bring. The finale promises to be a memorable moment of cross‑cultural harmony.
Part of a Global Cultural Tour
The “Korean Sound” tour is supported by Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and has already traveled to Turkey and the United Arab Emirates. After its Manila stop, the tour moves on to Thailand. The National Orchestra of Korea, founded in 1995, is known for preserving traditional music while creating contemporary arrangements that appeal to global audiences.
The Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines sees the concert as more than entertainment. Director Myeongjin Kim described it as an introduction to the depth of Korean artistry as it evolves for new generations. The free admission reflects a commitment to making cultural exchange accessible to everyone.
How to Reserve Your Seat
The concert will be held at the Globe Auditorium of the Maybank Performing Arts Theater inside the BGC Arts Center in Taguig City. Two showtimes are available: a matinee at 2:00 PM and an evening show at 6:00 PM. Admission is free, but online registration is required. Audiences are encouraged to sign up early through the official registration link, as seating is limited and available on a first‑come, first‑served basis.
