In anticipation of the openings of two Korean exhibitions, Joseon Dynasty: Seven Jeweled Mountains and Persistence and Subversion in Korean Couture, the CMA is proud to present the Cleveland debut performance of CelloGayageum.

CelloGayageum is an exceptional intercultural musical duo composed of cellist Sol Daniel Kim and gayageum player Dayoung Yoon. Drawing inspiration from the Pavilion of Unity in Berlin, a city with a tragic history of war, division, and reunification, they have seamlessly blended the musical cultures and instruments of the cello and gayageum to create a harmonious symbiosis in both sound and style.

Formed in 2016, CelloGayageum has received worldwide recognition and accolades. The duo was honored with the prestigious Soorim Culture Prize, and the group’s debut album, South Wave, North Wind, was produced with the help of a grant from the Seoul Foundation for Arts and Culture. Moreover, CelloGayageum was named “Artist of the Year” by the Jeongdong Theater in Seoul, solidifying the duo’s place as one of today’s most exciting and innovative musical acts.

CelloGayageum’s passion for traditional South Korean music is evident in the group’s performances, which have captured the hearts of audiences around the world. CelloGayageum has appeared on several popular Korean prime-time TV networks, including KBS, JTBC, and MBN, and has toured extensively throughout Asia, Europe, and beyond.

CelloGayageum is not just a musical duo but a phenomenon. The group’s unique fusion of instruments and musical styles creates a sound that is both timeless and contemporary. By showcasing the beauty and richness of South Korean music to audiences around the world, CelloGayageum is redefining what it means to be a global musical act.

Preceding tonight’s performance, Sol Daniel Kim and Dayoung Yoon are partaking in a preconcert community dialogue at 6:00 p.m. moderated by Dr. Sooa McCormick, Korea Foundation Curator of Korean Art at the CMA, to highlight the influences of traditional Korean music on the duo’s contemporary compositions.