Honoring the Past and Adapting for the Present explores the enduring vitality of Korean traditional folk music in a rapidly changing world. In this engaging program, Jean Lee and Catherine Lee, assisted by Noah and Ed Mallett, demonstrate how centuries-old musical traditions continue to evolve in modern South Korea while thriving on today’s global concert stage.

Korean folk music has long served as a form of storytelling, communal expression, and emotional depth. This performance highlights two cornerstone genres that reflect both preservation and innovation: Pansori and Samulnori.

Pansori, often described as a one-person opera, features a solo vocalist bringing epic narratives to life through dramatic singing, spoken text, and physical expression, accompanied by a single barrel drum. Its intimate intensity creates a powerful connection between performer and audience.

In contrast, Samulnori is an energetic percussion tradition rooted in agricultural music, performed on four contrasting instruments. Its rhythmic dialogue and collective precision create a visually and aurally dynamic experience.

This event also offers an interactive element, inviting audience members to learn basic Samulnori rhythms and try the percussion instruments firsthand, fostering a deeper understanding of the music’s communal spirit.

Ideal for those interested in world music, cultural performance, and interactive arts experiences in Mecosta County, this program offers a memorable celebration of tradition, creativity, and cultural connection