Master percussionist takes center stage in historic heritage showcase
In the disciplined world of "pansori," Korea’s traditional narrative storytelling through song, the barrel drummer — or "gosu" — occupies a place of quiet, essential reverence. For centuries, folklore has maintained that a singer’s success depends first on the drummer, then on the vocalist. Yet despite holding the pulse of the performance, the drummer almost always plays second fiddle, tethered…
Master percussionist Yoo In-sang is set to take center stage in a historic heritage showcase as the featured performer at IMPRESSION, a concert marking the grand finale of the National Intangible Heritage Center's 2026 Isujadyeon series. This event aims to spotlight certified successors of Korea's official intangible cultural heritage and will take place on October 24 at the National Intangible Heritage Center in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province.
Known for his decades of experience directing music and providing rhythmic accompaniment for major national dance and theater productions, Yoo will transform the traditional drum from a supporting role into the main event, reversing the age-old hierarchy where the drummer often plays second fiddle to the singer in pansori storytelling performances.
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