High School Honors Choir Festival: Harmony Connecting Time

Showtimes

Thursday (19:00)

Synopsis

[Performance Introduction] High School Joint Choral Festival <HONORS CHOIR FESTIVAL> Harmony Connecting Time Alumni choirs from six private schools, who have together written the history of modern and contemporary education in Korea, gather in one place under the name of "Chorus." Dongsung, Pai Chai, Boseong, Sookmyung, Jungshin, and Jinmyung. The traditions and spirits that have been passed down through different times and spaces now bloom anew as deep harmonies that encompass generations. This performance will be held in the format of a joint concert where each school's choir presents individual stages. With independent program compositions for each group, you can appreciate the unique musical colors and interpretations of each choir, as well as the choral culture forged over a long history, all in one place. Through a relay-style performance focusing on the individuality and identity of each group without a joint choir, the distinct charms of the six teams are set to unfold richly. Through a broad repertoire ranging from traditional classical music and Korean art songs to folk song arrangements, contemporary choral works, and popular music, we present the diverse spectrum of Korean choral culture. Beyond a simple performance, we create a meaningful stage that connects generations, traditions, and community values through music. Furthermore, this performance is a cultural sharing event for the residents of Gangdong-gu and the citizens of Korea. Admission is free for all seats, designed to allow anyone to enjoy high-quality choral art without any financial burden. Each choir has been actively engaged in musical activities through domestic and international performances, regular concerts, international choral festivals, and overseas invitations. We plan to showcase the current state of Korea's alumni choral culture, which continues to create new artistic values within its long traditions. [PROGRAM] 1. Sookmyung Girls' High School - Oppa Saenggak, Byeol, Arirang Camerata Sookmyung is a purely amateur choir started by classmates from the 65th graduating class in 2023. The Camerata Sookmyung Choir, conducted by Professor Kim Jung-hee—a classmate and former professor of Music at Jeju National University—has received favorable reviews for its active performance activities both domestically and internationally. Beginning with a presentation at the Seoul Cosmos Hall in August 2023, the group has performed in Spain in April 2024 and in Vienna and Eastern Europe in 2025. In 2026, following performances in March and April, the choir is expanding its musical exchanges through active performances, including an invitation to perform at the opening celebration of the Seoul Forest International Garden Expo in May. The choir is currently preparing for a performance in Germany in September. 2. Dongseong High School – Aemo, Spring Days Are Gone, The Most Beautiful Song Founded in 1983 by former members of the Dongseong High School Vocal Ensemble, who had been active since 1971, the choir was formed out of a passion for choral music. Featuring sacred songs and a diverse repertoire, the choir has held approximately 15 regular concerts and numerous invited performances. In particular, their liturgical music performance skills, based on natural vocalization, are highly regarded in the choral community. Having proven their capabilities by winning a Silver Diploma at the 2023 Gangneung World Choral Congress, the choir plans to register as a non-profit organization in 2025. Under the goal of "promoting the happiness of the social community through choral music," they are continuing their active musical volunteer work and performance activities to practice love for their neighbors. 3. Jungshin Girls' Middle and High School - A Festive Alleluia, Song of the Beloved, Akashi Group Dance Founded in 2012 as a purely amateur choir, its founding purpose is to foster harmony among seniors, juniors, and alumni through music, and to share hope with marginalized and underprivileged neighbors through service and dedication, thereby contributing to a beautiful and rewarding life in old age. In addition to participating in numerous school events, the choir has engaged in active external activities, including five regular concerts, winning the Grand Prize (Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Award) at the 2014 National Senior Choir Competition, and performing Beethoven's Choral Symphony at three Korea Choral Festivals (Seoul Arts Center), the Korea Choral Festival (National Theater of Korea), and the UN Peace Concert (Lotte Concert Hall). On international stages, they have also delivered meaningful performances that introduced Korean music abroad, including a concert in San Francisco, USA (2016); performances in Orléans and Paris, France (2018); solo concerts and numerous other performances in Beaujolais and Paris (2024); and a performance at Carnegie Hall, USA (April 22, 2026). 4. Boseong High School – Song of the People of Israel, I Will Live in the Green Mountains, Tonight The Boseong Alumni Choir was formed by music-loving Boseong High School graduates after approximately 70 graduates and current students gathered at KBS Hall for a commemorative concert for the 110th anniversary. Currently, graduates from the 77th graduating class, ranging from the oldest member (83 years old) of the 53rd class, are practicing together. We held the Boseong Alumni Association Regular General Meeting, the Boseong Christian Fellowship Praise Festival, performances by the Boseong Plus One Wind Orchestra and the 5 Major Private Concert Bands, as well as the Gapyeong Improvement Concert. Starting with the 1st Regular Concert in September 2024, we held the 2nd Regular Concert in October 2025, and in September 2026, we are preparing a commemorative concert for the 120th anniversary of Boseong's founding, featuring 120 graduates and current students. 5. Jinmyung Girls' High School - "One Flower Blooms," "Trout," "La Bamba" The Alumni Choir was established in 2006 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the school's founding. Following the inaugural conductor, Mr. Cho Poong-sang, and the inaugural director, Lee Shin-ja, the choir has been actively performing for 20 years, continuing under the current conductor, Professor Lee Il-ryeong, and director, Kim Mi-soon. Regular concerts were held in 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2026, respectively. The group also conducted two U.S. tours: one in Washington, New York, and Los Angeles in April 2013, and another in Los Angeles and New Jersey in June 2024. In 2016, the group performed a concert commemorating the 110th anniversary of the school's founding, participated in the production of audio recordings including the school anthem, and performs the opening acts for the General Alumni Association's annual events, such as the General Assembly and the Year-End Party, every year. Furthermore, the group contributes to social activities and acts of sharing with the marginalized and vulnerable, including concerts supporting the Youth Culture School and visiting concerts at nursing hospitals. 6. Paejae High School – I Wish It Were Like That Now, To Joy, Ivy The Paejae Chorale originated from the ‘Paejae 88 Chorale,’ which was founded in 2003 to commemorate the Home Coming Day of the 88th graduating class of Paejae High School. Since 2008, the choir was expanded and reorganized to include all graduates of Pai Chai Academy. It is a proud choir with a long tradition that practices the great lesson, "If you wish to grow, serve others," singing of love and friendship through choral music and practicing sharing and communication. Since its founding, the choir has held 19 regular concerts, as well as various special and charity performances. It continues to deliver high-quality performances by consistently presenting on stage at major venues such as the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, Ceramic Palace Hall, and Youngsan Art Hall. Currently, approximately 30 members are passionately active under the leadership of Conductor Yoo Jung-yeol (107th choir) and Director Lee Woong-seok (96th choir). The choir is planning and preparing for its 20th regular concert this coming October as an exchange performance with Taiwan.

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