(The) Hasla International Festival of the Arts (HASLA), hosted by the Hasla International Festival Association and the Gangneung Arts Center (Director Sim Kyu-man), will be held from October 18 (Saturday) to 26 (Sunday) in the Gangneung area.
The second Hasla International Festival of the Arts aims to present gift-like moments to the audience under the theme of 'Gifts and Presents,' through diverse programs that combine classical music, literature, and media art. The festival expands its stage across various places in Gangneung, including the Gangneung Arts Center, Arte Museum Gangneung, Chodang Church, Gangneung Asan Hospital, and Galbari Clinic, connecting with the citizens' lives.
■ A multidisciplinary stage featuring world-class artists… Gangneung Arts Center
The festival will open on October 18 (Saturday) at the Gangneung Arts Center with 'Opening: Presenting Gifts.' The Korean Chamber Orchestra (music director Kim Min, hereafter KCO), celebrating its 60th anniversary, will perform a variety of music from Shostakovich to Mozart and Dvořák, alongside pianist Lee Kyung-sook, showcasing exquisite synergy and profound interpretations. On October 19 (Sunday), KCO, Lee Kyung-sook, and artistic director Jo Jae-hyeok will present a special stage titled 'Children and Adults: The Animals Speak!' featuring witty commentary, allowing all generations to enjoy classical music together.
During the festival, special performances blending literature, music, and media art will continue at the Gangneung Arts Center. On October 21 (Tuesday), the performance 'Autumn Day's Lyricism' based on the works of poet Kim Gwang-gyun, composed and arranged by composer Choi Woo-jung, will be presented. The voices of soprano Lee Myung-joo and bass-baritone Samuel Yun will merge with the narration of actress Kim Mi-sook, capturing the deep emotions of autumn. On October 25 (Saturday), the performance 'Hasla and Rakai: Rakai Luau Season 10 – Pleasing to the Eyes and Heart' will feature a media art backdrop from the Kansong Art Museum based on Shin Yoon-bok's 'Beauties,' with pianist Sunwoo Yekwon performing Chopin's '24 Preludes.' As suggested by the title 'Pleasing to the Eyes and Heart,' which means to delight the eyes and heart, captivating media art and beautiful performances are set to guide the audience on a joyful journey.
In addition, top artists from Korea and abroad will present various works by Beethoven, Schoenberg, Schubert, Tchaikovsky, and Stravinsky, enriching the stage at the Gangneung Arts Center.
■ Music gifts reaching hospitals, churches, and universities… Our Music Party
This year's Hasla International Festival will convey art in everyday spaces through 'Our Music Party' in collaboration with the Gangneung area. Free special performances will be held at Gangneung Asan Hospital on October 21 (Tuesday), Galbari Clinic on October 22 (Wednesday), Chodang Church on October 23 (Thursday), and Arte Museum Gangneung on October 24 (Friday), gifting beautiful music to citizens.
On October 21 (Tuesday), H.I.P. (Hasla International Players, leader Lim Ga-jin) and pianist Moon Jeong-jae will deliver comforting melodies to medical staff and everyone visiting the hospital at Gangneung Asan Hospital. On October 22 (Wednesday), 'Galbari's Gift' at Galbari Clinic, Asia's first hospice hospital, will also provide a meaningful healing time for patients and their guardians. On October 23 (Thursday), the Buer Ensemble will present a woodwind quintet performance, filling the church with deep resonance at Chodang Church.
At Gangneung-Wonju National University Hasla Hall, where academia and art meet, two special stages carrying the name and meaning of the Hasla International Festival will be held. On October 23 (Thursday), ARK CLASSICS, Sunwoo Yekwon, Song Young-hoon, and double bassist Lim Chae-moon will present a solid ensemble. On October 25 (Saturday), the Classical Ensemble (principal Kim Deok-woo, artistic director Lee Shin-kyu) will perform familiar pieces such as Mozart's 'Eine kleine Nachtmusik, K. 525' and Vivaldi's 'Four Seasons,' lowering the threshold of classical music with solid interpretations and a modern sensibility.
On October 24 (Friday), at Arte Museum Gangneung, which represents the art of Gangneung, ARK CLASSICS' violinists Nana Matsuura, Chisaka Naoue, violist Maiko Takimoto, and cellist Jonathan Luzeman will come together. They will present a program intertwined with media art spaces, offering the audience a unique experience, including Mozart's string quartet.
■ A platform connecting the region and the world through art
Artistic director Jo Jae-hyeok noted, 'This year's Hasla International Festival aims to align with the audience at various everyday locations through the keyword 'Gifts.' The core of the festival is to expand opportunities for diverse citizens to encounter art and share the healing and solidarity values that art possesses.'
The festival will conclude with a closing performance titled 'Continuing Gifts' on October 26 (Sunday). The Hasla Trio, composed of Fumiaki Miura, Song Young-hoon, and Jo Jae-hyeok, along with the Gangneung City Symphony Orchestra conducted by Jeong Min, will carry on the message of 'Gifts' with majestic harmony.
Sim Kyu-man, director of Gangneung Arts Center, expressed, 'We will build the present of art on the region's history and cultural heritage, making it a platform connecting the region and the world, thereby clarifying the identity of the international arts festival.'
Meanwhile, tickets for the second Hasla International Festival can be reserved through the Gangneung Arts Center website and Ticket Link, while Our Music Party (community-linked performances) will be held for free.
[Photo] (The) Hasla International Festival Association)
[OSEN]