Hallym University Chuncheon Sacred Heart Hospital

Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital held a Korean Traditional Music (Gukak) concert for its patients by the Gyeonggi Youth Chamber Orchestra for Korean Traditional Music, at the lobby on January 23.

The orchestra, composed of primary, middle and high school students residing in gyoenggi-do, was organized in November, 2002, to familiarize ordinary citizens with Gukak in daily life. The musical troupe has given regular Korean traditional music concerts and occasional concerts as a part of community services.

The concert started with a Gayageum(a 12-stringed Korean harp) solo, and went on with other performances of Korean traditional musical instruments such as Haegeum(a Korean fiddle), Ajaeng(a 7-Stringed instrument used in court music), Daegeum(a large bamboo flute) and Sogeum(a small woodwind instrument). The performance was followed by Pansori(a traditional Korean narrative song) and Korean classical children's songs. The performance gave all the audience a chance to relish the dignity of Korean culture by delivering the beauty of Korean traditional melody and make the patients feel a sense of pride in their cultural heritage.

Dr. Byung-Chul Lee, director of the hospital, said, "The performance was really impressive as their passion was fully passed on to the hearts of all the audience". "Music can change our mind. So with music, we can do everything. I believe the performance today will long be etched in our memory," said Won-Sub lee, chief administrative officer of the hospital.

By Jonghun Im, Int'l Operations Team, HUMC