The First Ensemble in Western Jeonnam: A Milestone
Delivering Autumn Sentiment and Moving the Audience
Instructor Choi Miyoung's 18 Years of Dedication and Passion
Emerging as Wando's Signature Cultural Content
The 'Wando Binggrae Ensemble,' the first harmonica ensemble in the Wando region of Jeonnam, marked its first anniversary by presenting a gentle and emotional stage on a deepening autumn night.
On October 31, the ensemble held its 'First Anniversary Concert' at the Wando Outdoor Performance Hall, delivering a warm musical feast under the clear autumn sky to an audience of over 500 people.
The 'Wando Binggrae Ensemble,' the first harmonica ensemble in the Wando region of Jeonnam, held a concert to celebrate its first anniversary. Photo by Lee Jungkyung
Choi Jungwook, a member of the Wando County Council, attended the concert in person to encourage the ensemble members.
Councilman Choi said, "Each member is living a second life through the harmonica while pursuing their own paths," adding, "I am grateful for your passion and dedication, and I look forward to your continued vibrant activities."
The concert opened with Lee Yong's "Forgotten Season," perfectly capturing the mood of autumn. The delicate tones of the harmonica, resonating through the evening air tinged with autumn leaves, quietly touched the hearts of the audience. This was followed by performances of Sorisae's "You and I," the new age piece "Sunset," and more, making the autumn night in Wando even more romantic.
Subsequently, songs spanning generations such as "Barley Hill," "I Am a Happy Person," "Purple Postcard," "Nostalgia," and "Tian Mi Mi" were reinterpreted with the rich resonance of the harmonica. Sometimes poignant, sometimes lively, the melodies were met with applause and smiles from the audience.
The aria "Love Toward You," passionately performed by vocalist Pae Cheongmyeong, delivered the climax of the stage, and Councilman Choi Jungwook and the audience responded with enthusiastic applause. Photo by Lee Jungkyung
A highlight of this concert was the collaboration not only with harmonica but also with guitar, cello, and pansori. As the instruments respected each other's timbre and blended in harmony, the stage resembled a watercolor painting of autumn. The aria "Love Toward You," passionately performed by vocalist Pae Cheongmyeong, delivered the climax of the stage and left a lasting impression.
Behind these achievements was the long-standing dedication of instructor Choi Miyoung. Having started her career as a music instructor at Gangjin Senior College in 2007, Choi has been active in Wando as a leisure instructor since 2009, sowing the seeds of local music culture for 18 years.
Even during the period when all activities were halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, she continued online classes and small gatherings, driven by her belief that "music helps people stand up again." Through this process, she decided to establish the ensemble together with like-minded members.
The Binggrae Ensemble, consisting of 46 members, plans to continue engaging with the local community through regular performances and talent donation concerts. Photo by Lee Jungkyung
Currently, the members are committed to their practice every week, balancing their musical pursuits with their respective livelihoods. Guided by the belief that "you can convey your heart even if you are not a professional musician," they prepare each stage themselves and continue to perform volunteer concerts throughout the region. One audience member commented, "I never knew the harmonica could be such a warm instrument. I am proud to witness such a moving performance here in Wando."
Instructor Choi Miyoung stated, "It is the passion of each and every member that has created today's Binggrae Ensemble," and expressed her commitment to "continue serving the culture and arts of Wando and creating stages where local residents can smile together."
Meanwhile, the Wando Binggrae Ensemble plans to continue engaging with the local community through regular performances and talent donation concerts.
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