Astana, 26 October. South Korea's NUMORI and Kazakhstan's vocal and instrumental ensemble Saz & Soul gave a joint concert in Astana at which the Korean folk song "Arirang" was performed with a dombra and the Korean musicians sang the Kazakh folk song "Nazkonyr", the Ministry of Culture and Information said.
The programme combined the traditional music of the two countries with modern genres, from K-pop and K-rock to electronic music and blues rock. NUMORI blends Korean folk motifs with electric guitar and electronic arrangements; at the concert it used traditional Korean percussion: the double-headed janggu drum, shaped like an hourglass, and the small brass kkwaenggwari gong. Saz & Soul performed the songs "Kerim-au, aidai", "Dudar-ai", "Syrgalym", "Sugirdin termesi" and "Makhabbat — mangi ertegi" and the kuis "Akzhelen", "Saryzhailau" and "Zhem suynyn taskyny", with Kazakh folk instruments accompanying the vocals.
"Arirang" is a Korean folk song inscribed on the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage list by both South and North Korea; "Nazkonyr" is a Kazakh folk song. The exchange of these musical "calling cards" was the centrepiece of the evening: according to the ministry, the audience gave the Korean performance of "Nazkonyr" an ovation.
The concert was organised by the Roza Baglanova Kazakhconcert State Academic Concert Organisation as part of its work on international creative cooperation and promoting Kazakhstan's musical heritage.
What it means: Kazakh and Korean folk music shared one stage in modern arrangements, with each side singing the other's song.
Who benefits: Audiences, who had a rare chance to hear both traditions in one concert; Kazakhconcert, which is developing international ties; the musicians, who gain new listeners.
Background: The Korean K-pop group Kandis became known in Kazakhstan after performing the song "Kesh meni" by the group Orda in Korean at the international Silk Way Star contest. Saz & Soul previously performed at the closing of the Coupe Mondiale international accordion competition, combining Kazakh music with world classics.
