CULTURE enthusiasts enjoyed an immersive experience as specialised artists from Korea staged a traditional dance – Nongak – last night, as part of the 33rd edition of the Bahrain International Music Festival.
The musical act was brought alive at the Cultural Hall by Nongak Cheonhajidaebon, a six-member ensemble who kept the audience entertained throughout with their musical prowess.
The event, a collaboration between the Korean Embassy and Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (Baca), took spectators on a journey, bringing together the unique elements of different ‘Nongak’ styles from four regions in Korea – Jinju, Samcheonpo, Gumi Mueul, Jeongeup and Utdari – in one performance.
Nongak is a folk musical style, traditionally played by farmers and listed among the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation’s (Unesco) intangible cultural heritage assets.
Bahrain International Music Festival is an annual attraction featuring musical acts that represent diverse cultures and genres from the Arab world and beyond.
The high-energy performance highlighted six traditional instruments played by the six artists, producing a nuanced symphony, combining percussion beats and wind-instrument melodies. It also comprised dancing, dramatics and acrobatic feats.
The audience, comprising members of various nationalities, even got a chance to try some of the tricks during the performance.
“Nongak is an agricultural musical style and a dynamic art form as you might have experienced in tonight’s performance,” Korean Ambassador Dr Koo HeonSang told the GDN.
“We (the Korean Embassy) host these kinds of cultural events every year. In the past, we have invited street musicians and many others.
“I am very glad to see that tonight’s performance has been appreciated by the Bahraini people. We celebrate life with Nongak, just like Bahrainis celebrate life with Ardha dance – both lovely forms of expression and very enjoyable,” he added.
melissa@gdnmedia.bh
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