SamulNori to Perform at Cullen Theater, 3/8

SamulNori, Master Drummers and Dancers from Korea, will return to Houston for the first time in 12 years on Saturday, March 8, 2014, at 8 p.m. in Wortham Center's Cullen Theater, presented by Society for the Performing Arts.

Hailing from South Korea and led by Kim Duk-Soo, the renowned master of the "changgo" (hourglass-shaped drum), this dynamic ensemble of master drummers and dancers present a visually stunning cultural expression of traditional Korean arts, music and dance.

The origins of SamulNori's unique style of music can be traced to what is referred to farmers' band music (Nongak) and ceremonial music, with influences of folk and religious music (Binari). For more than 35 years, the ensemble has built upon this tradition, developing its individual sound into the powerful music and pageantry that is shared around the globe.

The Korean word "samul" means "four objects" and "nori" means "to play." In the case of SamulNori, it refers to the four musicians playing and dancing with their four percussion instruments. SamulNori performs in many configurations, but usually tours as a quartet with Kim at the helm; for the Houston performance, the cast will include eight performers alongside Kim.

Founded in 1978, SamulNori sparked a renaissance in Korea's music scene and has garnered worldwide acclaim. Over the years, SamulNori has collaborated with highly acclaimed musicians from around the world in a variety of styles of music ranging from jazz to pop. The group has also performed concerts with orchestras playing music written exclusively for them. They have performed at festivals including "Live Under the Sky" in Japan and Hong Kong, the Kool Jazz Festival, Peter Gabriel's WOMAD Festival and the Han River (Korea) International Jazz Festival.

In addition to its busy international touring schedule, SamulNori is dedicated to furthering the tradition of their unique performance techniques that they teach at the SamulNori Academy of Music in Seoul. The group has been the subject of several books (including its own intensive instructional book) and videos for many labels, including SONY.

Tickets range from $23-$58 and can be purchased online at www.spahouston.org, by phone at 713-227-4772 or at the courtyard level ticket office at Jones Hall located at 615 Louisiana St. Hours of operation: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday - Friday. For groups of 15 or more call 713-632-8113.

Photo Courtesy of Kim Duk-Soo