Black String: Borderless Contemporary Korean Music

New sounds from the ancient instruments of Korea. Black String is a quartet named after the Korean zither, geomungo, with percussion, bamboo flutes, guitar, and electronica also in a mix that swings comfortably between east and west, Korean folk and jazz. Led by Korean traditional music virtuoso Yoon Jeong Heo, Black String creates a unique musical language drawing on Korean traditional music, jazz, and free improvisation, presenting extraordinary, enigmatic music that wells up from silence and grasps the senses.

The group’s recognitions include Asia & South Pacific Winner at the 2018 Songlines Music Awards, Best Jazz & Crossover Album at the 2020 Korean Music Awards (Best Performance in 2017), an official showcase artist at WOMEX (World Music Expo) 2016. Black String is the first Asian group to sign with ACT, Europe’s largest jazz label, releasing two studio albums, Mask Dance (2016) and Karma (2019), as well as a live album, Jazz at Berlin Philharmonic (2020).

Black String is: Yoon Jeong Heo (geomungo), Jean Oh (electric guitar), Aram Lee (daegeum, sogeum, yanggeum), and Min Wang Hwang (janggu, vocal)
Photo credit: Nah Seung Yull

This program is supported in part by the Korean Foundation for International Cultural Exchange as part of the Traveling Korean Arts Program, Maryland State Arts Council, and Korean Cultural Center New York.

Covid Safety Policy 

• Vaccination Status: 
  • All audiences ages 12+  entering the theater space for performances, screenings, workshops or other theater-based gatherings are requested to be vaccinated against Covid-19. We ask that you bring a copy of your vaccination card or a photo of your card as proof of vaccination status.  If you have chosen to avoid vaccination due to religious or health exemption, please have proof of a negative Covid-19 test within 48 hours of entering the premises.
• Masks: Please wear your mask during your visit unless you are actively consuming a beverage. Masks are required in all areas of the building, including the gallery and theater.
• Food/Drink: A limited bar will be available for purchase and consumption prior to and during theater-based events. Outside food and drink is prohibited.
• Spacing: This event will be at full capacity. We are a small venue and physical distancing will be very limited.  You will likely have fellow audience members sitting directly next to, in front of, and behind you, at a distance of less than 6 feet.