To commemorate the '1st Gukak Day,' the Daejeon Yeonjeong Korean Traditional Music Center (Director Yoo Han-jun) will stage the special planned performance 'Opera L'elisir d'amore with Korean Traditional Instruments' at 7:30 PM on Wednesday, June 4th and Thursday, June 5th, at the center's Small Stage. This performance is highly anticipated as a fusion creative work that reinterprets a Western opera with Korean traditional instrument accompaniment, featuring a collaboration between disabled artists and local vocalists. This stage, designed to break down the boundaries between traditional and Western art and share the expansiveness of Gukak with citizens, is expected to enrich the meaning of 'Gukak Day.'
An Unusual Encounter Between Gukak and Opera: A New Interpretation of 'L'elisir d'amore'
This performance is a groundbreaking attempt to present Donizetti's masterpiece opera, 'L'elisir d'amore,' anew with accompaniment from Korean traditional instruments such as gayageum, geomungo, haegeum, daegeum, piri, ajaeng, and janggu. Set in a 19th-century Italian village, the story unfolds as the innocent farmer Nemorino buys a cheap bottle of wine, a so-called 'love potion,' from the quack doctor Dulcamara to win the love of the beautiful Adina. This lighthearted and warm story is reinterpreted with Gukak melodies. Although the potion was fake, Nemorino's heartfelt confession ultimately moves Adina's heart, conveying a universal message of love that resonates with everyone, regardless of age or gender.
Through this performance, the Daejeon Yeonjeong Korean Traditional Music Center aims to combine the lyrical beauty of classical opera with the unique and profound traditional beauty of Gukak, making the diverse charms of Gukak more accessible to citizens. In particular, the exquisite harmony of Gukak melodies with opera arias is expected to offer a new musical experience never before encountered. This will be an important example demonstrating how Gukak continues to evolve by fusing with various genres in modern society.
The Meaning and Legal Background of 'Gukak Day'
This performance holds even greater significance as it is held to commemorate the '1st Gukak Day.' 'Gukak Day' is a legal holiday that is being observed for the first time this year, established according to the Enforcement Decree of the Gukak Promotion Act enacted in 2023. It was designated as June 5th, the day when King Sejong's musical work 'Yeominrak (與民樂)' was first recorded, to honor King Sejong's great musical achievements and elevate the value of Gukak, which embodies the spirit and beauty of the nation.
While Korean language, national flag, Ssireum, and cultural heritage have received legal protection and promotion through related laws, Gukak has relatively lacked independent legal protection mechanisms. The Gukak Promotion Act aims to contribute to the promotion of Gukak by stipulating necessary matters for its preservation, transmission, development, and globalization. The enactment of this law was a long-cherished desire of the Gukak community and marked a significant turning point for Gukak to receive systematic support and protection at the national level. The establishment of 'Gukak Day' can be seen as a symbolic event marking the practical implementation of the Gukak Promotion Act.
A Beautiful Collaboration of Disabled Artists and Local Vocalists
Beyond mere genre fusion, this performance holds even greater significance as it features disabled artists and local vocalists on stage together. This demonstrates the Daejeon Yeonjeong Korean Traditional Music Center's efforts to realize the value of social inclusion and communication through art. By providing performance opportunities for disabled artists and a stage for local vocalists to challenge new genres, it creates a platform where all artists can grow and interact together. This collaboration will also deeply move the audience and serve as an opportunity to reflect on the diversity and inclusivity of art.
Continuous Efforts for the Popularization and Future of Gukak
Yoo Han-jun, Director of the Daejeon Yeonjeong Korean Traditional Music Center, stated, "On Gukak Day, we aim to share the meaning of Gukak with citizens through a stage that transcends generations and genres," adding, "We will continue various attempts to naturally integrate tradition into daily life." This indicates that the Daejeon Yeonjeong Korean Traditional Music Center is constantly striving for the popularization and modernization of Gukak. In addition to traditional Gukak performances, the center plans to work towards making Gukak not a difficult and distant genre, but a living art that can be enjoyed in daily life, through fusion with other art genres, development of modern content, and expansion of opportunities for various segments of citizens to experience Gukak.
Tickets for 'Opera L'elisir d'amore with Korean Traditional Instruments' can be reserved on the Daejeon Yeonjeong Korean Traditional Music Center website (www.daejeon.go.kr/kmusic) and Interpark Ticket (ticket.interpark.com). For more information, please contact the center's main number (☎042-270-8500). This performance will be a special experience to discover new possibilities for Gukak and reflect on the meaning of 'Gukak Day' together.
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