The National Gugak Center is set to embark on a tour across Asia this year, with performances of Jongmyo Jeryeak planned for Singapore, Japan and Hong Kong.
Jongmyo Jeryeak is a royal ceremonial performance that combines song, music and dance. It was originally performed during ancestral rites at Jongmyo shrine, where the tablets of Joseon kings and queens are enshrined, honoring the eternal repose of royal ancestors. The music was originally composed in 1447 during the reign of King Sejong for performance at royal banquets and was modified in 1464 during the reign of King Sejo for performance at memorial rites.
The NGC will perform April 4-5 in Singapore as part of the Tapestry of Sacred Music festival at Esplanade. Singapore's National Performing Arts Center, reflecting the country's multicultural identity, hosts an annual festival that features religious music from various countries, creating a unique platform for cultural exchange.
Following this, Jongmyo Jeryeak will be part of a special exchange performance celebrating the 60th anniversary of Korea-Japan diplomatic relations. This will include UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage performances from both nations, with Jongmyo Jeryeak taking the stage on April 19 at the Bunkyo Civic Hall in Tokyo. In return, Okinawa’s traditional music drama Kumi Odori will be performed in Seoul in June. Jongmyo Jeryeak and Kumi Odori were inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list in 2001 and 2010, respectively.
In November, the NGC will head to Hong Kong for its final international performance of the year. Invited by the Korean Cultural Center in Hong Kong, the performance will take place as part of Festive Korea on Nov. 8-9, marking the first time this ritual music will be introduced to audiences in Hong Kong.
hwangdh@heraldcorp.com
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