27/03/2026
AHN JUNG-GEUN PEACE CONCERTS: COMMEMORATING HEROISM AND FOSTERING EAST ASIAN HARMONY
The "Ahn Jung-Geun Peace Concert" series has stood as a monumental cultural event, bridging historical reverence with symphonic grandeur to commemorate the unwavering spirit of Korean patriot Ahn Jung-Geun. These performances, held at the prestigious KBS Hall in Yeouido, Seoul, and across major venues in the United States, have become a powerful medium for promoting patriotism, strengthening international alliances, and praying for peaceful reunification.
Key Performances and Venues:
Ahn Jung-Geun Peace Concert 2014: Held at the Yeouido KBS Hall on October 10, 2014, to commemorate the 105th Anniversary of Ahn Jung-Geun's heroic deed.
Ahn Jung-Geun Peace in the East Asia Concert 2015: Presented in the United States (NY & LA), including a performance on December 17, 2015, to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the Liberation of the Republic of Korea and to strengthen the US-Korea Strategic Alliance.
Artistic Fusion and Vision:
The defining characteristic of these concerts is the unique collaboration between Symphonic Poem and Video Poem. The program featured the innovative symphonic poem "Ahn Jung-Geun," composed by Professor Jung-Hwa Park, seamlessly integrated with a powerful video poem created by Movie Director Oshell Oh. Under the masterful baton of Dr. Ki Woong Jang, the Muse Symphony Orchestra delivered an emotionally charged and immersive experience, bringing Ahn Jung-Geun's vision of "East Asian Peace Theory" to life through both sound and image. The 2015 concerts also featured a moving "Arirang Fantasy," reinterpreting Korea's soulful music as a message of global peace.
CAST & CREW: AN ASSEMBLAGE OF MUSICAL EXCELLENCE
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR & CONDUCTOR: DR. KI WOONG JANG
A central figure in both the 2014 and 2015 performances, Dr. Ki Woong Jang served as the Artistic Director and Conductor. His distinguished career includes:
Education: Graduated from Seoul National University (SNU), Department of Composition. Earned an M.M. from SNU Graduate School (Specialized in Orchestra Conducting). Studied at the prestigious Detmold National Academy of Music, Germany (Majoring in Tonmeister). Holds a Doctor of Musical Arts (D.M.A.) from Hansei University.
Conducting Career: Served as the conductor for the Muse Symphony Orchestra, Teplice Philharmonic Orchestra (Czech Rep.), International Foreign Schools United Orchestra, and LA Korean Philharmonic Orchestra. Currently serving as a Professor at Dong-ah Institute of Media and Arts (DIMA).
Ahn Jung-Geun Peace Concerts: Has been the General Artistic Director for the series since its inception (2011, 2012, 2013, 2014).
MOVIE DIRECTOR: OSHELL OH (TENOR HEE YOUNG OH)
A versatile artist and communication leader, Movie Director Oshell Oh played a pivotal role in the 2014 and 2015 concerts, creating the moving video poems and providing communication leadership. His multifaceted background includes:
Education: Graduated from the State University of New York (SUNY) at Stony Brook with a Double Major in Psychology Degree and Video Media. Also studied vocal music at the University of Anchorage, Alaska, and music at CA Christian University.
Filmmaking: Produced over 300 documentaries. Served as the Executive Art Director at IMM Studio. Currently serving as the President of the Western Film Producers Association and KATV.US. His documentary on Korean adoption was screened at the Walt Disney Concert Hall.
Cultural Advocacy: Received an award from the Korean Literature Association. Served as the Communication Director for the Asian American Council. Actively worked to bridge Korean-American culture.
Vocal Career (Tenor): Enjoyed a successful career as a lyric spinto tenor, studying under prominent teachers like Dr. Timothy Mussard and Franco Iglesias. Performed leading roles in operas such as Canio in "I Paliacci" and Alfredo in "La Traviata" with the Santa Monica Civic Opera. His primary operatic and vocal background provided the unique foundation for his creative collaboration with orchestral and symphonic works like "Ahn Jung-Geun."
Social Impact: Known for his community engagement, having met with high-ranking figures such as UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and former NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani, representing the Asian-American community.
CAST OF OPERA PRODUCTIONS (PROFILES FROM PREVIOUS PRODUCTIONS)
To highlight the caliber of artists involved, here are profiles of the leading cast members for previous opera productions that shaped Director Oshell Oh's artistic journey:
SOPRANO: EVELYN WALD (Violetta Valéry)
A leading singer on opera, operetta, and concert stages. Her extensive repertoire includes title roles in Aida, Tosca, La Traviata, Madam Butterfly, Norma, and Don Carlo. She has sung Lady Macbeth in Verdi's "Macbeth" and has performed as Leonora in "Il Trovatore" and "Forza del Destino". A versatile soprano who has concertized with many orchestras.
TENOR: HEE YOUNG OH (Oshell Oh) (Alfredo Germont / Faust)
A bright and promising lyric spinto tenor who has sung on radio and appeared on television in New York and Los Angeles. He has been a featured soloist in major oratorios such as Messiah and Holy City. A seasoned performer with the Santa Monica Civic Opera, he delivered notable performances as Canio in "I Paliacci" and Alfredo in "La Traviata", which famously included a moving "Brindisi" (The Drinking Song) duet with the Soprano. The Korea Times also recognized him for taking the leading role of Faust in a production of Gounod's opera.
BARITONE: MARIO BISCARDI (Giorgio Germont)
An experienced baritone with a repertoire of over 25 major roles, including Rigoletto, La Traviata, La Boheme, Tosca, Aida, Il Trovatore, and Barber of Seville. He has been a prominent performer and major performer at the Santa Monica Opera for more than twelve years and has also worked as a stage director.
CONDUCTOR: CAV. MARIO LANZA
A lyric tenor of Bel Canto voice with national recognition. He has performed side by side with renowned opera figures. Has directed the Santa Monica Civic Opera Association for forty-four years and trained countless young singers for leading and supporting roles.
OTHER KEY ARTISTS (SUMMARY OF 2015 CONCERT CAST)
The 2015 US performances featured other highly accomplished Korean-American artists, including:
Tenor Ye Gang-Jae: Graduated from Seoul National University and Eastern Michigan University (M.A.). Former solo soloist for the New York City Opera Company. Performed as a guest soloist with the Milan Verdi Symphony Orchestra, Italy.
Soprano Jung Pyung-Hwa: Graduated from Ewha Womans University, Department of Vocal Music. Principal soloist for the Leningrad Opera House. Leader of the vocal group "Hwa-eum-do Solists" and Director of the Opera Company "Cheong".
Baritone Kim Man-Gyu: Graduated from Seoul National University and The Juilliard School (Graduate School). Holds a Ph.D. in Music from the University of Illinois. Conducted and performed as a soloist in major oratorios and Messiah concerts across Europe, South America, Asia, and North America. Member of the San Francisco Opera Center.
Popera Singer Jo Anna: Performed with the Brooklyn Chamber Orchestra and holds leading roles in Carmen and La Boheme. Appeared in the musical "Jesus Christ Superstar". Leader of the Christian Cultural Mission Team, 'Kanna'.
Soprano Kim Sung-Ji: Graduated from Curtis Institute of Music (B.A.) and Manhattan School of Music (M.A.). Holds a Doctor of Musical Arts (Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey). Select new music for new music performances by the Chosun Ilbo. Enjoyed a distinguished operatic and concert career.
APPENDIX: SUMMARY FROM THE KOREA TIMES ARTICLE
Title: News on Korean Musicians
Article 1: Announces a piano recital at Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center, NYC, by pianist Moon Ik-Joo. A Juilliard Ph.D., current Head of the Piano Department at UCLA. Known for his "brilliant technique and poetic musical sensitivity."
Article 2: Confirms that Tenor Hee Young Oh (Oshell Oh) has been cast as the leading role (Faust) in a production of Gounod's opera "Faust" by the Santa Monica Civic Opera Company. The article details his career since his immigration in 1981, his studies at the University of Alaska Anchorage, his relationship with the Santa Monica Civic Opera, and his previous leading roles in "I Paliacci" (Canio) and "La Traviata". Telephone and booking details for the concert are also provided.
