EVENT DESCRIPTION
【Dianshui Nanyue】
Driving New Waves of Nanyin
Dianshui Nanyue is a visionary ensemble that breathes fresh life into nanyin, one of China’s most revered musical traditions and a part of China’s UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. It’s hailed as a “living fossil in the history of Chinese music” and is rooted in the ancient city of Quanzhou, Fujian. Nanyin‘s delicate silk and bamboo compositions feature instruments like the pipa (a crooked-neck lute), the sanxian (a three-stringed instrument), the dongxiao (a bamboo flute), the erxian (a bowed string instrument), and clappers, creating multi-layered soundscapes that echo a thousand-year legacy.
Dianshui Nanyue’s soulful performances re-imagine this heritage with modern sensitivity, captivating audiences on grand stages like the 2022 CCTV Online Spring Festival Gala and the 2024 Seoul Music Week. In 2023, it received the prestigious Global Awards for World Heritage Education Innovative Cases’ Star of Discovery award from the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Cultural Center for its dedication to preserving and sharing nanyin’s timeless beauty. The group’s acclaimed album, Xinshui Nanyin, showcases its artistry, weaving intricate rhythms and gentle melodies that transport listeners to the heart of ancient China while resonating with contemporary audiences.
【Gonia】
K-Jazz Pioneer
Gonia has emerged as a global sensation, masterfully intertwining Korea’s rich gugak heritage with the boundless freedom of contemporary jazz. Fresh from a triumphant North American tour, with acclaimed performances at venues such as the Lincoln Center in New York, Gonia’s sound mesmerises audiences worldwide. Its music fuses traditional Korean rhythms—such as the lively gutgeori, the spirited jajinmori and the intricate whimori—with jazz’s improvisational flair. The janggu, a traditional hourglass-shaped drum, dances alongside fluid guitar and bass lines, crafting intricate melodies that surprise and enchant.
The group’s latest album, A Tension, earned a nomination in the Crossover Album category at the 18th Korean Popular Music Awards, solidifying its trailblazing status. Gonia’s performances present a vibrant dialogue between Korea’s musical roots and modern innovation, providing listeners with an exhilarating journey through rhythm and harmony that feels both timeless and boldly new.
【WOOONTA】
Global Symphony of Soul and Innovation
WOOONTA redefines world music by blending the melancholic resonance of the erhu with the evocative tones of the sitar, pushing the boundaries of world music into uncharted realms. Founded in 2015 by visionary leader T.S. Lo, with Ryohei Kanemitsu (“Yo”) as Music Director, WOOONTA is known for its intricate tones, dynamic contrasts, and rich textures, offering a harmonious dialogue between Eastern traditions and global innovation that captivates and inspires.
Its debut album, Wooontaful, won the Best Composition and Arrangement Award at Taiwan’s Golden Melody Awards for Traditional Arts and Music, marking its global ascent. WOOONTA’s electrifying performances have graced renowned festivals like the Edinburgh Fringe, the Lucerne Festival, the Taiwan World Music Festival, Tallinn Music Week and Czech Music Crossroads. After being featured as the opening act for the Vienna Philharmonic New Year’s Concert, the band’s second album, Borderless Realm, further cements its innovative legacy.
2026.03.28
World Music Weekend: Gonia x Dianshui Nanyue
20:00
Approx. 1hr 35 mins incl. one interval
2026.03.29
World Music Weekend: Dianshui Nanyue x WOOONTA
15:00
Approx. 1hr 35 mins incl. one interval
2026.03.29
World Music Weekend: WOOONTA x Gonia
20:00
Approx. 1hr 35 mins incl. one interval
