Running Sept. 10–20 at Gangdong Arts Center, the cultural festival features performances and exhibitions by 16 groups, including a 30th-anniversary concert by the district's youth symphony orchestra.
Gangdong-gu in Seoul will host the 16th Gangdong Artists Festival at Gangdong Arts Center from Sept. 10 to Sept. 20.
Now in its 16th year, the festival is co-hosted by the Gangdong General Artists Association and the Gangdong District Arts Troupe. It brings together the creative work of local artists to share with residents across the district.
A total of 16 groups will take part — seven district arts troupes, eight private arts organizations and one invited group. Under the theme "Gangdong United Through Art," the program spans performances including choral, classical, traditional Korean music, dance, theater and folk percussion, as well as exhibitions of fine art, calligraphy, illustrated poetry and photography.
Performances begin Sept. 10 with the District Senior Choir, followed by the District Folk Arts Troupe's folk percussion on Sept. 11, traditional Korean music and dance on Sept. 12, the Gangdong Korean Music Association and Gangdong Music Association on Sept. 13, the Gangdong Writers Association and Gangdong International Disabled Persons Cultural Exchange Association on Sept. 16, the Gangdong District Women's Choir on Sept. 17, the Gangdong Dance Association and the District Folk Arts Troupe's Korean orchestral music on Sept. 19, and the Gangdong Theater Association and District Youth Symphony Orchestra on Sept. 20.
The District Youth Symphony Orchestra will mark its 30th anniversary with a special concert. Founded in 1996, the orchestra has spent three decades nurturing young musicians in Gangdong-gu and contributing to the district's cultural development. The anniversary performance is expected to be a meaningful tribute to the ensemble's history.
The Gangdong Arts Center gallery will also host art, calligraphy, illustrated poetry and photography exhibitions featuring the Gangdong Fine Arts Association, Gangdong Calligraphy Association, Gangdong Writers Association and Gangdong Photography Association. All performances and exhibitions are free.
"I hope this festival gives local artists a chance to share their creative achievements with residents, and offers children and students an opportunity to experience a wide range of arts and culture up close," Gangdong-gu District Mayor Lee Su-hee said. "With performances and exhibitions spanning many genres — including the District Youth Symphony Orchestra's 30th-anniversary concert — I encourage everyone to come and enjoy it with their families."
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