A tapestry of ancient tones and an untamed voice
Hilgeum, a rising Korean trio redefining traditional string instruments, will make their London debut at the K-Music Festival, joining forces with the British award-winning singer, multi-instrumentalist and composer Alice Zawadzki. Known for her expressive voice and genre-defying artistry, Zawadzki will blend seamlessly with Hilgeum’s rich, textured strings to create an intimate, cross-cultural performance.
Formed by Yoin Cho (gayageum, a 12-string zither), Yerim Kim (geomungo, a six-string zither), and Somin Park (haegeum, a two-string fiddle), Hilgeum weaves emotionally resonant, intricately layered music that speaks to a new generation.
The trio’s 2022 debut album Utopia explores cinematic soundscapes, while their 2024 EP WASTELAND takes a bold turn into raw, emotionally charged territory. Hilgeum have performed at major venues including the National Theater of Korea and represented Korean culture on the global stage, with standout appearances at the Hide & Seek Festival in Brussels and Les Polysons Festival in Huy, solidifying their reputation as one of Korea’s most captivating and innovative contemporary acts.
The programme will feature Hilgeum’s signature works, including Shadow, a journey of liberation from the self-made shadows that hold us back; Nihil, which begins with a question about nihilism and moves forward by transforming futility into a springboard for hope; and Illusion, a reflection on visions only one can see, questioning whether they are real or merely monsters of our own making. All three titles are from their 2022 album Utopia.
Alice Zawadzki will also perform Za Górami, a moving interpretation of an old Polish folk song about a young woman’s quest for freedom.
The programme will also present several collaborative pieces, including Gathering (working title), a brand-new work that emerges as a musical prayer for the modern world, forged from the meeting of Hilgeum and Alice Zawadzki.
This programme is presented in partnership with the National Asia Art Centre in Gwangju.
Performers:
Yoin Cho (gayageum)
Yerim Kim (geomungo)
Somin Park (haegeum)
Alice Zawadzki (vocals, violin)