2022/2023 Season of OnStage Korea Selected Artists Announcement

The Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. is proud to announce the results of the OnStage Korea 2022-2023 Season Open Call, including a special preview of the unique and talented performers who will be invited to perform in the Washington, D.C. A total of four artists were selected: three in the music category and one in dance. Performances dates will be announced prior to each event in the latter half of 2022 and in 2023. Congratulations to The Second Moon, SaaWee, Laboratory Dance Project (LDP), and Hwang Gina! Read on for more on each artist.

The KCCDC is grateful to all the performing artists and groups who took part in the recent Onstage Korea Open Call. Numerous Many applications were received from artists in South Korea as well as those based in the United States and Europe. The selection process was very competitive and proved exceptionally difficult as a result of the many talented and outstanding applicants.After a thorough multi-stage review of all applications and materials by a panel of performing arts professional, the following artists were selected to perform in the Washington, D.C. region for the upcoming 2022-2023 season.

To all the applicants, the KCCDC deeply appreciates your interest and is thankful for your participation in this process!

2022/2023 Season of OnStage Korea Selected Artists

[Music] The Second Moon: The Second Moon Korean Traditional Music Project - Pansori Chunhyang-ga

[Music] SaaWee: Collaboration with Time and Space - SaaWee x Leo Genovese x Sidra Bell

[Dance] Laboratory Dance Project (LDP): Look Look

[Music] Hwang Gina: Geomungo-verse

About the Artists

SaaWee is a musical and spiritual journey inspired by Korean shamanic rituals, recreated for today’s generation. SaaWee channels the electricity of the old and new, invoked by shamanic rhythms, creating new musical languages. Saawee’s two members are New York-based Latin Grammy-winning violinist Sita Chay and Jihye Kim, provocative percussionist of the international ensemble FROMS. The duo often collaborates with unique visual artists, re-imagining ancient stories and seeking respite from modern day stresses by linking the energy of every participant. SaaWee’s performance ritual consists of several stages, beginning with their entrance to the space and moving into expressions of artistic spirituality through both members’ theatrical, circular movements. What makes SaaWee appeal to diverse audiences is their musical fluidity, with cross-cultural rhythms and melodies, evoking dazzling eclectic colors. Their performances embody this unique world of sound to which each audience is transported.

Hwang Gina, a Geomungo soloist and musical creator, reinterprets the sound of this iconic Korean stringed instrument in a most modern way. The simple and lyrical melody created at the intersection of traditional and modern music is one of Hwang Gina’s defining musical characteristics. Her music exceeds the traditional limits of the Geomungo across a variety of genres and her more advanced solo works were showcased in her second full-length album, Short Film. By creating sensuous new music that capitalizes on the unique sound of her instrument, a musical cousin of the familiar Gayageum zither, Hwang Gina has redefined the Geomungo as a modern solo instrument.

The Second Moon presents its own unique brand of world and ethnic fusion music. Incorporating folk music from diverse countries and cultural traditions, the group strives to synthesize its many influences and perform in a friendly way for everyone. This approach is their musical slogan.

Laboratory Dance Project (LDP), founded in 2001, is an international dance project aimed at bringing Korean dance to the global stage. LDP strives to enhance the value of the arts while leading the creation of a repertoire that emphasizes a deep artistic philosophy and communication, integrating continuous experimental challenges and their own unique style. The dancers of LDP have earned the trust of audiences through their effort and sincerity as well as their distinctive gifts and talents. LDP is the only company in Korea whose name alone guarantees a groundbreaking performance.