A Modern Take on a Timeless Art Form

The Gyeonggi Art Center’s Sinawi Orchestra has unveiled ‘Gyeonggi pungryu Series I: Job,’ a digital album breathing new life into the traditional Korean musical form known as Jobga. This release marks the first installment in the Sinawi Orchestra’s media content initiative, aiming to broaden the reach of Gyeonggi-do‘s cultural treasures through accessible online platforms.

Unveiling the Rich History of ‘Jobga’

Originating in the late Joseon Dynasty and flourishing into the early 20th century,the Twelve Jobga is a significant part of Korea’s cultural heritage. Recognized as a National Intangible Heritage under the designation of Gyeonggi Folk Song,this musical style encapsulates the spirit and stories of the era. The album features the vocal talents of Park Jin-ha, Ham Young-sun, and Ha Ha-ah from the sinawi Orchestra, complemented by the rhythmic expertise of the orchestra’s percussion section.

We expect to spread the excellent traditional arts in Gyeonggi area and to expand the inflow to the growth of fixed audiences and field performances through excellent works.

Kim Sung-jin, artistic director of the Sinawi Orchestra, Gyeonggi-do

Accessibility and Distribution

The digital album is readily available for download and streaming on major domestic and international online music platforms, including Melon, Genie, Bugs, Apple music, and Spotify. This widespread distribution ensures that audiences worldwide can easily access and appreciate this unique musical heritage.

Visual Storytelling: Music videos Enhance the Experience

Beyond the audio experience, the Gyeonggi Art Center has produced captivating music videos to accompany the album. Three standout tracks from the Twelve Jobga were carefully selected, each paired with iconic historical and cultural landmarks. These music videos, filmed at locations such as Suwon Hwaseong Haenggung, Osan Water Arboretum, and Namyangju Dasan Jeong Yak-yong Historic Site, offer a visually stunning complement to the music. Released weekly since the 5th of last month,these videos can be viewed on the Sinawi Orchestra’s official YouTube channel,further amplifying the reach and impact of this cultural revitalization project.

The Broader Impact: Preserving and Promoting Korean heritage

This initiative by the Gyeonggi Art Center aligns with a growing global interest in preserving and promoting traditional arts through modern media. According to a recent UNESCO report, cultural heritage preservation projects have seen a 30% increase in funding over the past decade, reflecting a global recognition of the importance of safeguarding cultural identity. By embracing digital platforms and creating engaging content, the Sinawi Orchestra is not only preserving the legacy of Jobga but also ensuring its continued relevance for future generations.