Master Pansori Couple Kim Il-gu & Kim Young-ja to Perform at National Theater
Creatrip Team
2 months ago
Renowned "Human Cultural Asset" (designated living national treasure) vocalists Kim Il-gu (86) and Kim Young-ja (75) will appear at the National Theater's Haneul Theater in Seoul on Feb. 4–5 for “Sori Jeongdam,” a lecture-concert series showcasing leading masters of pansori (traditional Korean narrative singing). Kim Young-ja, one of the few singers to have fully performed all five pansori repertoires, is celebrated for roles in changgeuk (Korean musical theater) such as Simcheong and Chunhyang. Kim Il-gu is noted not only for his vocal skill but also for his mastery of traditional instruments like the ajaeng and gayageum and for his career in both instrumental and vocal performance. The program will feature segments from the pansori works Simcheongga and Jeokbyeokga, parts of Sugungga, folk songs including Yukjabaegi and Hwa-cho Sargeori, sanjo (instrumental solo) and excerpts of short changgeuk. Accompanist Kim Tae-young, a holder of the Jindo ssitgimgut (a shamanic funeral rite) tradition, will provide rhythmic support, while the National Changgeuk Company’s artistic director Yu Eun-seon will direct, narrate and moderate conversations with the masters.
