Ensemble with disabilities to perform in US after national win
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Six musicians with developmental disabilities from Gwangju, South Korea, forming “Jangcheonha Green Ensemble,” will perform in Los Angeles and New York City next month.
The ensemble won the grand prize at the National Festival of Music for People with Developmental Disabilities last year. They have been practicing diligently, dedicating their days to rehearsals in preparation for their first international performances.
The group, comprised of individuals in their twenties, came together after the Gwangju Arts Troupe for the Disabled was established in 2021. Initially, coordinating their diverse instruments proved challenging, but through three years of practice, they achieved harmony and earned recognition. The city of Gwangju collected over 312 million won, more than three times their initial goal of 100 million won, through a local fundraising campaign to support the US tour.
During their performances, the ensemble will play roughly 30 minutes of music including K-pop, the traditional Korean song “Arirang,” and “Namhaengyeolcha” by Kim Soo-hee. Cellist Choi Phillip shared his excitement, stating the upcoming concerts feel more thrilling than burdensome, a result of their daily practice.
