Korean National Gugak Center Creative Traditional Orchestra
The flagship orchestra of Korea's centuries-old National Gugak Center, this virtuosic 55-member ensemble continues its Berkeley residency (part one) with a performance of traditional Korean court and folk music. The term "gugak" translates as "national music," and the orchestra is responsible for preserving ancient musical traditions, as well as developing contemporary works for performance. The refined and elegant court music comes from more than 1,000 years of development in the rituals, banquets, and ceremonies of the Korean royal court. The folk music reflects the daily lives of the Korean people, with regional characteristics and unique performance styles.