KF뉴스레터-Haegeum Plus Performs at Grand Performances, Los Angeles

Haegeum Plus Performs at Grand Performances, Los Angeles

Kang Eun-il and Haegeum Plus were invited to perform at the Grand Performances event in Los Angeles. Based on traditional Korean music, they played diverse arrangements of crossover music that included jazz, tango, and Michael Jackson hits, which left a lasting impression on the audience.

On August 7, it was surprisingly hot in southern California, even in the morning. Due to the desert-like climate, people are advised to protect themselves from direct sunlight during the day, along with having a jacket when the temperature cools in the evening. Despite worldwide concerns about the influenza virus, the L.A. residents seemed unperturbed as they went about their everyday affairs. Although we arrived with certain apprehension about the preparations, everything proceeded smoothly.

Professional Organization
Grand Performances, the event organizer, is a nonprofit organization of the City of Los Angeles. Since 1987, it has presented international festivals featuring world-class performances of music, dance, cinema, and theater. The organizers extended an invitation to Kang Eun-il and Haegeum Plus after seeing their performance at APAP, New York in 2008. Moreover, this marked the first time a Korean group took part as the feature event at Grand Performances, which placed a sight burden on us.
At an outdoor venue, where our performances would be staged, we set up the main and auxiliary platforms nearby a fountain and a small pond, creating a harmonious atmosphere within the city center. Based on our experiences with performances abroad, it was readily apparent that the Grand Performances was a world-class event. For example, the organizers classify the groups as feature or general performances. For a general performance, the stage setup, rehearsal, and actual performance are all undertaken on the same day.
As for a feature performance, stage set-up and rehearsal sessions involve a four-day process. Through careful oversight of rehearsals, the organizers seek to assure high-quality performances and attractive stage settings. Then, a final rehearsal is staged as a full-dress performance attended by the performing group’s representative and the festival’s general director and artistic director, for an overall check and any finishing touches.
Based on the technical specifications submitted in advance, Haegeum Plus staff and a local work crew divided up the work and made sure that every detail was perfect. It was a great surprise that the local crew worked until 2 a.m., with a dedication which we had never seen elsewhere. Indeed, the organizers and local workers demonstrated a high level of professionalism in several regards.
It was also impressive that the organizer thoroughly evaluated the ability of performers to attract the audience and prepared a variety of publicity measures. For us, this included two days of interview by local TV, radio, and newspapers. On the third day, we held a media event for reporters and producers. On the fourth day, the day before our concert, we gave a lecture and concert at an intermediate school in order to publicize Korea, Korean music, and the festival.
The festival organizers also attended Kang Eunil’s joint performance with an orchestra held at the Walt Disney Hall in the afternoon. And to publicize Haegeum Plus’s performance, an autograph event was arranged as well. On the day of the concert, to attract people to the performance, they invited various food trucks, a new symbol of the L.A. urban scene, to set up nearby the venue.

From Arirang to Michael Jackson
At noon, our first performance got underway. A large umbrella was set up that not only provided the shade but also complemented the stage setting.
The performance venue was the California Plaza, located in a central downtown financial district, where office workers stopped by to see our show and have their lunch. Many Korean residents from nearby areas went out of their way to attend our concert, including those who put up with a two-hour drive. An audience of about 800 people attended our performance, which was well received. A second performance was held at 8 p.m. in the evening for an audience of about 2,500 people amidst a vibrant and enthusiastic atmosphere.
The group played traditional Korean music works like “Haneulso,” “Remembering the Future,” and “Hey Ya,” along with new works such as “Mirage,” “Manhattan Dance,” “Beginning of the Cloud,” and “A Spring Day.” In addition, a performance of “Libertango” was ideal for the performers to interact with the audience.
As a highlight of the program, “Ariang” and “Amazing Grace” were sung by a girl, in Korean and English, to symbolize the friendship between Korea and the United States. For an encore, Haegeum Plus presented a medley of recently deceased Michael Jackson’s big hits, including arrangements of “Ben,” “Billie Jean,” and “Beat It,” which triggered an explosive response from the audience. Performing arts are about a time and place, which leaves no tangible trace. Still, Korea and its music will perhaps be long remembered in the hearts of those who attended the performance of Kang Eun-il and Haegeum Plus.
Korea’s performing arts should have more global exposure, rather than remaining local. Additional opportunity for Korean groups is d when we succeed and attract attention. Encouraged by the audience appeal of our performance, the Grand Performances organizers pledged to invite another Korean group for next year’s feature event. For our group, we returned home with a clear sense of fulfillment. Finally, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the Korea Foundation for its generous support of our recent performance, along with hoping that it will continue to provide assistance for the advancement of Korean culture and arts.

한국국제교류재단

Haegeum Plus Performs at Grand Performances, Los Angeles

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Haegeum Plus Performs at Grand Performances, Los Angeles

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