Renowned violinist Jennifer Koh joins the Los Angeles Master Chorale and Music Director Grant Gershon for the world premiere of Mugunghwa: Rose of Sharon by Mark Grey – named one of the Los Angeles Times “2008 Faces to Watch†– Sunday, March 6, 2011, 7 p.m., at Disney Hall.
With text based on the extraordinary verses of Korean poet and engineer Namsoo Kim, who fled from a North Korean prison at the outbreak of the Korean War, the piece was commissioned by the Chorale and is the fourth to be premiered by the choir as part of its notable “LA Is the World†initiative, which was launched in 2007.
This installment begins phase two of the initiative, conceived by Gershon as a collaboration among composers, master musicians and the choir to expand the choral literature with works that mirror LA’s vibrant multi-cultural fabric.
Also on the all-Korean program, entitled “Stories from Korea,†is a stunning piece for three choirs entitled Me-Na-Ri by Hyowon Woo, who is the composer-in-residence of the world-renowned Incheon City Chorale and is recognized as one of the most brilliant young Korean composers on the scene today. The Chorale also performs a variety of Korean folksongs, including a wonderful choral arrangement by Hojun Lee of the classic Korean song Arirang Fantasie, Hyunchul Lee’s Dona Nobis Pacem, an arrangement by Ben Jisoo Kim of Hangangsu Taryeong (Han River Song), Jungsun Park’s Dal-A Dal-a Ba-Geun Dal-A (children’s song).
Adding special flavor to the evening, the famed Kogi Korean BBQ truck rolls up to Disney Hall prior to the concert from 4-7 PM, selling its delectable blend of Korean American street fare. Los Angeles Times food writer Jessica Galt gushes, “magic resides in a Kogi taco.â€
Concert tickets range from $19 to $124. Student Rush seats are $10 and are available at the box office two hours before the performance.
For tickets and information, please call (213) 972-7282, or visit www.lamc.org. (Tickets can no longer be purchased at the Walt Disney Concert Hall Box Office except on concert days starting 2 hours prior to the performance.)
The Walt Disney Concert Hall is located at 111 South Grand Avenue at First Street in downtown Los Angeles.
