by Poppy Galloway

Photo credit: AsiaSociety

Korean-American composer, vocalist, and sound artist Bora Yoon performed to an intimate crowd at the Asia Society on Wednesday evening, in celebration of her exquisite multimedia album Sunken Cathedral.

As the title suggests, the soundscape is an immersive collusion of resonant, spiritual sounds and enchanting soprano on a grand scale. Beautifully complemented by the ethereal kinetic sculptures of Seoul-based artist U-Ram Choe, the space was transformed into a chamber for listening, seeing, and experiencing 13 delicate and inspired compositions.

Whimsical rhythm and ritual was the guiding energy of 잔소리 판소리 (Jansori Pansori), a soundscape performed with acute regard to the space and surroundings of the room. Delicate melodies arose from pieces of found metal and cups, tinkering over the steady repetition of Vong Pak on the Korean buk drum. Actual voicemails left by Yoon's mother played over the enchanting rhythm, and invited the listeners into a deeply personal story that was unfamiliar yet completely organic and relatable.

by Robert Leeper

The subtle nuances and harmonies of the classical guitar are often at odds with the fiery melodies, timbres, and rhythms of flamenco guitar. The two genres often keep each other at arms length, with classical players bringing a formality that is shunned by flamenco players who prize improvisation and spontaneity.

For over 20 years, classical guitarist Eliot Fisk and Paco Peña, his flamenco counterpart, have been working towards blurring those lines in programs like the one they brought to 92Y Thursday night.

The evening began with each of the guitarists playing a short solo set. Peña's playing was vibrant, lavishing detailed texture and a full complement of strumming techniques into an impassioned fandango and a stately lament, played as a tribute to his good friend and fellow flamenco guitarist Paco de Lucia, who unfortunately passed away in February.

NOTE: This contest has ended.

Premier Scottish fiddler Alasdair Fraser pairs with California-based cellist Natalie Haas at SubCulture this Wednesday, April 30, at 7:30 p.m., and FoM is giving away a pair of free tickets to the show! 

1. Email [email protected]    -OR-

2. Tweet #FreeTickets @alasdairfraser @feastofmusic  (and don't forget to follow us!)   -OR-

3. Head to our Facebook page and COMMENT on our giveaway post! Note: "Likes" on their own will not be considered valid entries.