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KOREAN SINGER'S LETTER: " I'll remember it for the rest of my life." (see in Korean in our Korean pages) |
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Seoul, 15 September The 20th "Zimriya" World Assembly of Choirs in Jerusalem (in Israel which is called the "Holy Land") gave me a great chance to enjoy a variety of many different countries' music. It was held for 10 days from Aug. 2nd throughout Aug. 12th Lots of people attended it from all over the world such as Asia, Africa, South America, North America, and Europe, including Israel. They were different ethnically, lingually, and culturally. The host committees prepared it so well that all the programs went successfully. They especially tried not to cause any inconveniences to the foreign attendants. Whenever we performed, Israeli audiences applauded us and called for encores many times. But probably our biggest success was our main concert in the Zimriya. When we got a standing ovation, I was touched enough to cry. I thought you guys were the most wonderful friends to celebrate our successful performance at the Cafeteria late that night. On that night, we enjoyed dancing together and talking about Korean traditional clothes, "Hanbok". Our choir, the Seoul Music Teacher's Choir took the same one as your choir, the Haifa Chamber Choir, of the 5 workshops; the Spanish Romantic music course taught by Joseph Prats, who teaches vocal music in Spain. We had to learn 7 songs in 60 hours. It was difficult to understand Spanish/Catalan lyrics and learn how to interpret the songs. However, we sang those songs successfully on 10 August night in the Municipal Theater of Jerusalem. Besides, during the period of World Assembly Choirs, we could sing many songs in open singing and in choir-to-choir sessions every day. It's a valuable time to learn the tendencies of each of countries' choir music. The public concerts were held in other cities throughout Israel, too. The first concert, in the Bell Cave was the most unique and mysterious experience to me. I'll remember it for the rest of my life. The most impressive performer in the concert was Santa Maria Choir from the Republic of the South Africa. It sounded very African. The 2nd concert was held in a clean and cozy town hall in the Northern part of Israel. The Hall looked so great for the concert. Furthermore the people who came to listen welcomed us warmly and sincerely. It was really moving. The Choirs from Croatia and Uruguay performed so well while wearing their traditional costume. The Israeli Kibbutz Choir deserved applauding because of their enthusiasm for the music. The ritual at the Sabbath day gave me a curiosity about other religions. I can't forget the days at the beautiful campus of the Hebrew University on Mount Scopus. We toured Israel, the Holy Land, for 2 days. As you may know, most members of our choir are Christians. So, the trip was really a blessing. The very place where the Bible took place made us feel holy - more than any sermons and worships. I was sorry about the present situation of Israel, shown by the strict entry and departure procedure and security services. Israel is thought of as a holy land and peaceful land; I hope it will be so soon. Anyhow, I had a great time there. If I have a chance in 2007, I really want to join the 21st Choirs Assembly in Jerusalem. At last, I want to express my thanks to Esther, all the people for the Festival, and the Israeli friends who cared for us like their family. As you said to us, "Israel Loves you", at the airport, I want to say, "We Love Israel."
Shalom,
Park, Kyung Hwa
Home Page : www.impkh.pe.kr |
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