Traditional music ensemble enchants Yongsan Soldiers

By Sgt. Choi Keun-woo (USAG-Yongsan)August 4, 2009

Traditional music ensemble enchants Yongsan Soldiers
Members of the traditional Korean chamber music ensemble Yegahui play for more than 100 USAG-Yongsan Soldiers July 22 at the Moyer Theater. The performance was part of the New Horizons Program to build cultural awareness between Korean and American S... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

<strong>YONGSAN GARRISON, Republic of Korea</strong> - Seven college musicians filled the Moyer Theater with traditional Korean music as Yongsan Soldiers gazed in wonder at the young women playing melodies emanating from various traditional Korean instruments.

The musical performance held July 22 was part of New Horizon's program, which among other objectives, intends to raise awareness of Korean culture. Yegahui, a chamber music ensemble from Ewha Women's University, is a frequent U.S. Army Garrison-Yongsan guest.

Yegahui performed in front of an audience of over 100 Soldiers from USAG-Yongsan Headquarters and Headquarters Company. The ensemble featured five different traditional instruments, an electric piano and a vocalist.

"We've tried to compose traditional Korean music to accompany a modern context," said Kim Hee-jin, who played the Gayageum, a 12-stringed Korean instrument. "We hope we can perform more often in the future to help Americans become more comfortable with Korean music and culture."

Yegahui has already performed four times this year for the garrison.

"Whenever we come here to perform the audience has always been very supportive and active," said percussion player Kim Ye-seul." It's always a treat to come on base to perform."

An Chang-sin, USAG-Yongsan community relations officer, emphasized the importance of constant cultural exchanges.

"Performances like this where U.S. Soldiers get an opportunity to meet a part of Korean culture is central to becoming good neighbors," An said. "We'll continue to provide these events to form a stronger bond and alliance."

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