On June 12, the Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. delighted audiences with a captivating performance by the acclaimed Korean group, The Second Moon. The sold-out show, titled <The Moonlight Flows>, took place at Capital One Hall's The Vault, marking a remarkable evening in the KCCDC performing arts series OnStage Korea. This event continued the exploration of trends in popular Korean fusion music, showcasing the group's unique blend of traditional Korean pansori and modern musical expressions.
The performance of <The Moonlight Flows> featured a repertoire of 11 mesmerizing songs, including original compositions and reinterpretations of traditional Korean pansori (traditional Korean one-person lyrical opera) works. The project was meticulously crafted through extensive research, aiming to harmonize contemporary musical expressions while preserving the distinctive essence of Korean traditional music. With a particular focus on Chunyangga, a beloved pansori piece that has captivated audiences since the 19th century, The Second Moon presented the main passages of this timeless work in the form of a music play.
The Second Moon, a seven-member band, was established in 2004 by guitarist Hyunbo Kim. Inspired by his visit to Ireland, where he discovered a profound interest in local folk music, Kim embarked on a musical journey that would shape the group's identity. Their breakthrough came through their work on the original soundtrack of the popular Korean TV drama "Ireland," which led to the release of their debut album, entitled "Second Moon," in 2005.
Distinguished by their incorporation of various instruments such as the berimbau, Irish whistle, and mandolin, The Second Moon garnered attention and acclaim. Despite their music being primarily instrumental, the group gained widespread recognition and was included in the list of Korea's Top 100 Greatest Music Albums of All Time in 2006. Their compositions also found a home in the popular TV drama "Princess Hours" broadcast on MBC, further solidifying their place in the hearts of audiences.
Although they briefly disbanded after their initial success, The Second Moon regrouped in 2012 and released their second album, "How Have You Been?," in 2015. The following year, they presented "Pansori Chunhyangga," an extraordinary fusion of Korean pansori and world music. This album earned them the prestigious award for Best Jazz and Crossover at the 2017 Korean Music Awards, reaffirming their talent and innovation in the realm of music.
