The children are quite serious as they hold and play musical instruments as big as they are. “When I’m with the Dream Orchestra, I enjoy playing together with my friends. If I play my cello alone, it might be a bit boring.” Young cellist Kim Joonse (11) is a member of one of Korea's Dream Orchestras. He used to be somewhat passive, but now he has become talkative and lively because of his activities through the youth orchestra.
Until recently, Western classical music was considered by many to be a luxury of the Korean one percent. However, the government and community organizers are now trying to expand the popularity of classical music through the Dream Orchestras, now well-established in modern Korean society. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Arts & Culture Education Service first concluded an agreement with the El Sistema organization of Venezuela in 2012 to found the youth orchestras. Together, they have supported classical and musical education for children in need ever since.
Originally, El Sistema taught classical music to children living in the slums of Venezuela. Not only has it been found to prevent crimes, but also teaches disadvantaged youth such elements as cooperation and responsibility. The Dream Orchestras are Korea's version of El Sistema. Apart from the cultural benefits, it helps youngsters make positive changes in their lives. Some children from broken families can receive positive feedback and develop good attitudes through music.
More than 1,200 members of various Dream Orchestras from across the country gathered in Pyeongchang, Gangwon-do Province, to participate in the Dream Orchestra Festival, continuing until Oct. 28. They played the second movement of Beethoven's Symphony No. 7, the "New World Symphony" by Dvorak, the theme song from "Pirates of the Caribbean" and a version of the folksong "Gangwon-do Arirang." Alongside the performances, there are lectures from the conductors as they talk about orchestras and movie soundtracks.
As of October 2015, the Dream Orchestras across the country currently involve some 2,000 youth from 39 cities, including Seoul, Iksan, Gangneung and Mokpo.
By Gu Kyeong-ah
Korea.net Staff Writer
Photos: Korea Arts & Culture Education Service
joamanner@korea.kr
Members of a youth orchestra perform at the Dream Orchestra Festival in Pyeongchang, Gangwon-do Province, on Oct. 26.
Until recently, Western classical music was considered by many to be a luxury of the Korean one percent. However, the government and community organizers are now trying to expand the popularity of classical music through the Dream Orchestras, now well-established in modern Korean society. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Arts & Culture Education Service first concluded an agreement with the El Sistema organization of Venezuela in 2012 to found the youth orchestras. Together, they have supported classical and musical education for children in need ever since.
Members of a youth orchestra perform at the Dream Orchestra Festival in Pyeongchang, Gangwon-do Province, on Oct. 26.
Originally, El Sistema taught classical music to children living in the slums of Venezuela. Not only has it been found to prevent crimes, but also teaches disadvantaged youth such elements as cooperation and responsibility. The Dream Orchestras are Korea's version of El Sistema. Apart from the cultural benefits, it helps youngsters make positive changes in their lives. Some children from broken families can receive positive feedback and develop good attitudes through music.
The Dream Orchestra focuses on teaching classical music.
More than 1,200 members of various Dream Orchestras from across the country gathered in Pyeongchang, Gangwon-do Province, to participate in the Dream Orchestra Festival, continuing until Oct. 28. They played the second movement of Beethoven's Symphony No. 7, the "New World Symphony" by Dvorak, the theme song from "Pirates of the Caribbean" and a version of the folksong "Gangwon-do Arirang." Alongside the performances, there are lectures from the conductors as they talk about orchestras and movie soundtracks.
As of October 2015, the Dream Orchestras across the country currently involve some 2,000 youth from 39 cities, including Seoul, Iksan, Gangneung and Mokpo.
By Gu Kyeong-ah
Korea.net Staff Writer
Photos: Korea Arts & Culture Education Service
joamanner@korea.kr
Most popular
- Military discharge sets stage for reunion of all 7 BTS members
- 'We are back!' BTS Festa heralds hyped return of K-pop phenom
- Presidents Lee, Trump discuss tariff deal in first phone talks
- 'Maybe Happy Ending' wins 6 Tonys including Best Musical
- President Lee leaves for G7 Summit in Canada on first int'l trip
