Sejong Cultural Society Celebrates Korean Heritage with 20th Anniversary Concert

This upcoming Sunday marks a special event for the Sejong Cultural Society as they host their 20th Anniversary Concert at the Galvin Recital Hall. The Chicago-based Korean-American cultural association is set to feature a violin performance by Bienen and Weinberg freshman, Sean Jang. A seasoned violinist who started at the age of four, Jang will showcase his talent alongside his mentor and esteemed violin professor from Indiana University's Jacobs School of Music, Kyung Sun Lee.

A Fusion of Cultures Through Music

Jang's debut with the Sejong Cultural Society is a testament to his skill, having been personally invited by both his teacher, Lee, and Lucy Park, the organization's executive director. Park lays out the society's mission to bridge cultural gaps by introducing Korean traditions to American audiences, with a focus on the youth.

Karisa Chiu, winner of the 2015 Sejong Cultural Society violin competition, will also grace the stage. Chiu's longstanding relationship with the organization began when she was a child and has since flourished, particularly with her victory in the senior division.

Educational Outreach and Cultural Integration

Sejong Cultural Society extends its educational outreach beyond concerts, with competitions in various artistic expressions, including piano, violin, music composition, and writing. However, the standout is sijo, an ancient Korean poetic form which the society promotes for its integration into American culture.

David Ludwig, dean and director of music at the Juilliard School, echoes the importance of this cultural exchange. Initially involved as a judge for the society's music competition, Ludwig is set to deliver the keynote speech for the event via Zoom, emphasizing the beauty of building cultural bridges and fostering communication.

culture, concert, anniversary