KUMHO ASIANA CULTURAL FOUNDATION Encouraging gifted children and cultivating culture PROMOTE Classical Music & Fine Arts Cultural Activities SUPPORT Young Musicians Artists ORGANIZE Concerts Exhibitions PROVIDE Classical Instruments Airlines Tickets Scholarship MANAGE Kumho Art Hall Munho Art Hall Kumho Museum of Art Kumho Asiana Cultural Foundation
1. Nurturing Talent and Promoting Culture Established on 29 November 1977, Kumho Asiana Cultural Foundation started out as a scholarship foundation. Later, as the Group adopted the philosophy that a company must give back a portion of its profits to the people and region to which it owes its existence, the Foundation extended its area of support to include classical music and the fine arts, in addition to education and scholarships. With its aim to nurture talent and promote culture, Kumho Asiana Cultural Foundation currently owns and operates Kumho Art Hall, a classical music hall specifically created for chamber music concerts, as well as Munho Art Hall and the Kumho Museum of Art. It carries out a wide range of activities, including the discovery and support of young talent in the fields of classical music and the fine arts, the organization of concerts featuring distinguished musicians and orchestras from all over the world, the running of education programs in art and culture, the free loan of rare musical instruments, and the provision of airline tickets and scholarships to gifted musicians. Through such significant contributions and wide-ranging support activities in the field of art and culture, Kumho Asiana Cultural Foundation has carved a position for itself as one of Korea s most prominent art patronage institutions. Discovery and nurture of young musicians with talent the future of classical music in Korea Kumho Prodigy Concert Series and Kumho Young Artist Concert Series vehicle by which talent is discovered Kumho Asiana Cultural Foundation firmly believes that the future of classical music in Korea lies in the continuous discovery and nurture of young musicians with talent. It is for this purpose that the Kumho Prodigy Concert Series and the Kumho Young Artist Concert Series were set up, in order to provide those with potential with the opportunity to make their stage debuts. Established in 1998, the Kumho Prodigy Concert Series showcases the talent of those less than 14 years of age, while the Kumho Young Artist Concert Series was set up in 1999 and is open to musicians over 15 years of age. They are held every Saturday at 3pm and 8pm respectively at Kumho Art Hall. To date, the two series combined have launched the careers of almost more than 1,000 musicians, including stars such as Kyu-Yeon Kim(Pf), Sun-Wook Kim(Pf), Yeol-Eum Son(Pf), Jae-Young Kim(Vn), Hye-jin Kim(Vn), Hyuk-Joo Kwon(Vn), Ara Shin(Vn), So-Young Yoon(Vn), Yura Lee(Vn & Va), Rachel Lee(Vn), Yoo-Jin Jang(Vn), Ye-Eun Choi(Vn), Jung-ran Lee(Vc) and MinJae Sung(Db). Kumho Asiana Cultural Foundation 2
Discovery and nurture of young musicians with talent Continuous support to young musicians Instrument Bank that provides the free loan of rare musical instruments Since 1993, Kumho Asiana Cultural Foundation has purchased and put together a collection of fine musical instruments from all over the world through which it now provides free loans to musicians with talent in further support of their careers. The collection includes such rare violins as Guadagninis, Guarneris, Montagnanas and Testores, and equally precious cellos such as Roccas and Magginis. They are currently on loan to musicians with exceptional talent such as Yeol-Eum Son(pf), Hyuk-oo Kwon(Vn), Hye-Jin Kim(Vn), Rachel Lee(Vn), Ye-Ji Park(Vn), Ga-Hyun Cho(Vn), Yae-Eun Choi(Va) and Sae-Bom Byun(Vc) and Jung Ran Lee(Vc). Scholarships for overseas study wider education opportunities for young musicians with talent Kumho Asiana Cultural Foundation also grants scholarships for overseas study that enable young musicians to receive the best training available internationally and to devote all their energies to practicing their art without having to concern themselves over finances. Beneficiaries include pianist Yeol-Eum Son and violinist Hyuk-Joo Kwon who have been sent to study at Germany and Russia respectively. Provision of free flight tickets in support of musicians activities Since 1994, Kumho Asiana Cultural Foundation has provided free flight tickets to established Korean musicians and recipients of the Kumho Musician of the Year and Music Teacher of the Year Awards in support of their musical activities abroad. General management of musicians careers The Foundation selects among the best and most talented of musicians chosen to perform in the Kumho Prodigy Concert Series and Kumho Young Artist Concert Series and provides them with the following support: Kumho Asiana Cultural Foundation 3
Opportunities to perform both at home and abroad; production of printed promotional material; legal advice upon entering into a contract of engagement Introduction to eminent figures and ensembles in the classical music world; assistance in making international stage debut Support in making a recording of one s performance Generation and distribution of press releases upon being recognized in a major music competition Kumho Asiana Cultural Foundation actively helps young musicians make their entry onto the world stage. Those who have been discovered and nurtured by the Foundation are continuously put in contact with influential figures in the music world, such as Maestro Lorin Maazel of the New York Philharmonic, Polish composer and conductor Krzysztof Penderecki and Maestro Zubin Mehta. They are also promoted among well-known arts management agencies such as Askonas Holt, ICM and IMG, and are given the opportunity to participate in international music festivals of repute. In October 2003, Kumho Asiana Cultural Foundation signed an agreement with Krzysztof Penderecki to jointly source young musical talent and introduce them to the world stage on a continuous basis. Kumho Musician of the Year and Music Teacher of the Year Awards - The highest accolade that a young musician and his/her teacher can receive Kumho Asiana Cultural Foundation is currently awarding young Korean classical musicians under 25 years of age who have shown outstanding achievements during the course of the year. At the same time, it is also recognizing the teachers of these musicians, whose efforts have contributed to their students successful development. The Kumho Musician of the Year and Music Teacher of the Year Awards count among the highest honors that a young Korean musician and his/her teacher can receive in the classical music world. Candidates are judged on their musical abilities and potential alone, while the respect accorded to their teachers pays homage to the traditional Korean value of acknowledging one s mentor in life. The winner of the Kumho Musician of the Year Award is presented with a certificate of honor and prize money, together with free Business Class tickets on Asiana Airlines for the next five years. He or she is also entitled to hold one recital a year for the next five years at Kumho Art Hall. In addition, Kumho Asiana Cultural Foundation will provide as many opportunities as possible to showcase the winner s talents both at home and abroad. These will include appearances with leading orchestras and participation in international music festivals. The winner of the Kumho Music Teacher of the Year Award, on the other hand, is presented with a certificate of honour and prize money, together with free Business Class tickets on Asiana Airlines for the next 3 years. Kumho Asiana Cultural Foundation 4
Kumho Musician of the Year / Kumho Music Teacher of the Year First Award in 2005 : Yeol-Eum Son(Piano) Professor Dae-Jin Kim(The Korean National University of Arts) Second Award in 2006 : Hyuk-Joo Kwon(Violin) jointly awarded to Professor Nam-Yun Kim(The Korean National University of Arts) and Professor Eduard Grach(Tchaikovsky Conservatory of Music, Moscow) Third Award in 2007 : Sun-Wook Kim(Piano) Professor Dae-Jin Kim(The Korean National University of Arts) Fourth Award in 2008 : No awardee Providing continuous support to selected young musicians Kumho Asiana Soloists As part of the Foundation s efforts to increase its support for the young musicians Kumho Asiana Cultural Foundation has discovered and nurtured over the years, it has created a musical ensemble called Kumho Asiana Soloists, whose activities both at home and abroad provide even further opportunities for musicians to develop their talent. Its inauguration concert held in October 2007 featured 9 members: Sun- Wook Kim(Pf), Yeol-Eum Son(Pf), Hyuk-Joo Kwon(Vn), Jae-Young Kim(Vn), Hye-Jin Kim(Vn), Ara Shin(Vn), Yura Lee(Vn & Va), Jung-Ran Lee(Vc) and Min-Jae Sung(Db). Later performances were joined by 4 more members: So-Young Yoon(Vn), Yae-Eun Choi(Vn), Min-Ji Kim(Vc) and Youn-Ji Kang(Va). Kumho Asiana Cultural Foundation has also decided to appoint a prominent young composer providing him/her with the chance to present his/her pieces at performances held by the Kumho Asiana Soloists, in order to encourage the development of classical music composition in Korea. Enactment of cultural diplomacy through participation in cultural missions sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Kumho Asiana Cultural Foundation also participates in a cultural diplomacy program sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade that involves the organization and performance of concerts at diplomatic missions overseas. In doing so, it contributes to the strengthening of relations and increase in cultural exchange between Korea and other countries. To date, members of Kumho Asiana Soloists and Kumho Asiana Cultural Foundation 5
other musicians that the Foundation supports have travelled as far afield as Kenya, Australia, Russia and Portugal, where their performances have helped raise Korea s profile, as well as increase their own prominence in the world. 2. Raising the Standard of Classic Music Field in Korea Kumho Asiana String Quartet first professional chamber music ensemble in Korea to be funded by a corporation (1990-2002) In 1990, Kumho Asiana Cultural Foundation established Korea s first professional chamber music ensemble which subsequently went on to tour 80 cities and 70 countries around the world until its disbandment on 30th November, 2002. As the first musical group of its kind in the country to be sponsored by a corporation, its formation marked a significant milestone in the history of classical music in Korea which until then had seen very little of chamber music of any kind. The success of the group s activities both at home and abroad and the role it played in raising the profile of Korean musical talent were recognized in 2002 when the Foundation received the Mecenat Award presented by the President of the Republic of Korea. Kumho Art Hall Chamber Music Society Korea s first resident chamber music ensemble(2007-) Established in March 2007, the Kumho Art Hall Chamber Music Society is Korea s first resident ensemble of its kind. Initially composed of 14 permanent members and 5 guest members, the Society is led by pianist Dae-Jin Kim who is also Professor of Music at the Korean National University of Arts. By holding regular performances on a long-term basis and thus creating a stable and continuous outlet for the practice of chamber music, its aim is to eventually raise the standard of the genre being played in Korea. Kumho World Orchestra Series cultural exchange at the highest level Acting under the notion that culture makes a first class nation, Kumho Asiana Cultural Foundation has devised a program that it has named the Kumho World Orchestra Series, whereby it invites only the very best orchestras from around the world and presents them to the Korean public on a regular basis. The Series first began in 2003 with the visit of Britain s leading period instrument orchestra, Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, and saw subsequent performances by the New York Philharmonic conducted by Lorin Maazel in 2004 and 2006, the Philadelphia Orchestra directed by Christoph Eschenbach in 2005, Kumho Asiana Cultural Foundation 6
the Berlin Philharmonic led by Simon Rattle also in 2005 and the NHK Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Vladimir Ashkenazy in 2006. 2007 saw concerts by the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra in July and the Orchestre de Paris in November, while are visits by the Berlin Philharmonic is also in the works for 2008. Not only does the Kumho World Orchestra Series contribute to the development of the classical music scene in Korea by bringing the experience of music of the highest quality to the public at large, but it also provides young musicians with the precious opportunity to perform together with world-renowned orchestras, thus helping them to further make their mark on the international stage. * 8th/9th November, 2003 Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment (Britain s leading period instrument orchestra with Viktoria Mullova as soloist) * 15th/17th October, 2004 New York Philharmonic (conducted by Lorin Maazel) * 6th/7th June, 2005 Philadelphia Orchestra (conducted by Christoph Eschenbach) * 7th/8th November, 2005 Berliner Philharmoniker (conducted by Simon Rattle) * 20th/22nd June, 2006 NHK Symphony Orchestra (conducted by Vladimir Ashkenazy) * 15th/16th November, 2006 New York Philharmonic (conducted by Lorin Maazel) * 23rd August, 2007 Shanghai Symphony Orchestra & Mahler No.8 (conducted by Chen Xie yang) * 12th November, 2007 Orchestre de Paris (conducted by Christoph Eschenbach) * 28th Feburary, 2008 New York Philharmonic (conducted by Lorin Maazel) * 18th, 19th April, 2008 Orchestre Symphonique de Montreal (Conducted by Kent Nagano) * 20th, 21st November, 2008 Berliner Philharmoniker (conducted by Simon Rattle) Kumho Asiana Cultural Foundation 7
3. Providing continuous education in Music & Culture Master classes in music advanced lessons for those specialising in music Kumho Asiana Cultural Foundation is currently holding master classes at Munho Art Hall. They are being recognised for their progressive content and format, as well as for the precious chance they give students to continue improving their skills, with valuable advice and guidance being offered by renowned international musicians and professors of music, as well as professional lecturers in music. Kumho Young Musicians Manners School special classes for those preparing to make their international stage debuts The Kumho Young Musicians Manners School is a special education program for those who have participated in the Kumho Prodigy Concert Series and the Kumho Young Artist Concert Series. It teaches the budding artist everything he or she needs to know about self presentation both on and off stage in order to advance their careers internationally and is the only program of its kind in Korea. Course components include effective CV writing, a photo shoot for an image of oneself to include in the CV, stage manners, table manners, stage makeup and hairstyle, self-control on stage and other useful tips on how to conduct oneself in the international arena. Public lecture series on music appreciation of music is also considered to be one of the highest in its field. The sound systems at Munho Art Hall and Kumho Art Hall are being used to their fullest capacities in order to render the appreciation of music even more fun and enjoyable in a series of lectures organized by the Kumho Asiana Cultural Foundation. 4. History of Kumho Museum of Art History 1989-Present Established in 1989, the Kumho Museum of Art was first known as the Kumho Gallery and was originally located in Gwanhoon-dong, Seoul before its move to its present address in November 1996 upon the construction of new premises. The Museum s purpose is threefold: to discover and nurture artists with talent, to exhibit works by both up-and-coming and established artists, and to hold special exhibitions that reflect current and potential trends in the art world. In its first several years of activity, the Museum helped shift focus away from well-known established artists on whom the market had solely been concentrated, by promoting regional artists in their stead whose works now form the backbone of mainstream art in Korea. Such an undertaking proved all the more significant as there were few art establishments with corporate backing at the time, let alone Kumho Asiana Cultural Foundation 8
those whose activities diverged from the status quo. Special exhibitions of note that have been held at the Museum since its opening include those that have highlighted international artists and art such as Joan Miro and Japanese woodblock prints(ukiyo-e), and others that have sought to examine trends in Korean art such as Art of the 80s and Development of Modern Art in Korea. Thematic exhibitions such as History of Korea that was held to mark the millennium, Music in Art that featured works by Raoul Dufy showing music as their subject-matter, and Smart Kid versus Dumb Kid aimed at appealing to children, also drew large crowds and broke new ground in terms of their idea and content. In terms of solo exhibitions, the Museum shows works by both established and up-and-coming artists. However, it has been through the continuous discovery and nurture of a new generation of young artists that the Museum has been able to make its mark and contribute most significantly to the development of art in Korea. Kumho Museum of Art Exhibitions Special exhibitions Special exhibitions that are held at the Museum seek first and foremost to reflect current and potential trends in the art world. Built around works that represent issues of artistic debate prevalent at the time, such exhibitions present to the public an up-to-date picture of what is happening in art and various ways to interpret it. The other type of exhibition that takes place at the Museum caters more to popular tastes and is aimed at attracting families and schoolchildren during the holiday season and increasing the public s general awareness and understanding of art. Special exhibitions are thus characterized by both the general and the specific at the Kumho Museum of Art, marked as they are by commercial ventures as well as by more specialized displays. The venue further attracts visitors through its various workshops and discussions that take place in conjunction with such special exhibitions on a regular basis. Solo exhibitions Since its opening, the Museum has consistently held exhibitions of works by leading Korean artists, in a reexamination of their roles and ongoing potential in the art world. They include both senior artists whose works have contributed greatly to the development of art in Korea and those of more recent standing whose output is currently creating new discourses on art for the issues they have raised and the fresh perspectives they have introduced. Exhibitions by young artists Kumho Young Artist Program The Kumho Museum of Art also holds exhibitions by young artists showing great potential. In 2004, it launched the Kumho Young Artist Program which systematically selects among the best of young artists in Korea and provides them with the opportunity to showcase their work at the Museum, as well as Kumho Asiana Cultural Foundation 9
numerous other benefits in aid of their careers. Successful candidates are chosen for their potential and original content of their work. The Program s aim is to discover and nurture those with talent so that they may eventually lead the future of art in Korea and become its new movers and shakers. Exhibitions at Incheon International Airport Since January 2004, the Kumho Museum of Art has also been putting on exhibitions at the Asiana Club Lounge at Incheon International Airport on a three-monthly basis. Works by well-known Korean artists are favoured in these displays through which the club lounge has acquired new meaning and purpose, as it provides Asiana Airlines customers with a cultural experience available at no other airline lounge in the world. Kumho Art studio Kumho Art Studio was established with the purpose of creating an environment where artists can devote all of their energies to developing their skills in art. Essentially part of an artist-in-residence program, the Studio provides a stable space for artists to work in and meet with other art professionals, that aids not only in the creation of artworks but also in the formation of a valuable network of contacts. Located in Icheon on the outskirts of Seoul, Kumho Art Studio is composed of 9 studios complete with cooking and shower facilities. One studio accommodates one artist for a year at a time. Current residents consist of those who have participated in the 1st Kumho Young Artist Program and artists who have shown outstanding talent and achievements during their careers so far. Not only does Kumho s artist-in-residence program enable participants to get together and share and exchange ideas with each other, but it also allow them to use these ideas and incorporate them in their work. Residents who typically occupy a studio for a year get to hold between one to two open exhibitions in the same period, as well as have the opportunity to participate in group exhibitions that are held at the Kumho Museum of Art. Plans are also in the works to devise additional programs that will put residents in regular contact with critics, curators and other art professionals from all over the world, to further provide encouragement and inspiration for their art. Education programs in art and culture As a public art institution, one of the key roles of the Museum is to disseminate knowledge about art and popularize the subject among the general public. In order to fulfill this aim, two types of education programs are being offered: a regular lecture series on art and culture, and one-off lectures and workshops that are held in conjunction with exhibitions at the Museum. Such programs help to raise the profile of the Museum even further and increase public appreciation of art. Kumho Asiana Cultural Foundation 10
Kumho Art Academy - regular lecture series on art and culture The Kumho Art Academy can be considered as the starting point for the activities of the Museum proper as it was launched in 1987 before the latter was even established. For the past 20 years, the Academy has treated not only art as its subject, but also music, architecture and design, among other aspects of culture, in order to promote their equal appreciation and understanding among the general public. Listeners are able to meet and exchange views with prominent artists and critics who make up the roster of lecturers. The occasion also gives them the chance to get together on a regular basis every week and form a network of relationships with one another. One-off lectures and workshops in connection with exhibitions The various workshops and lectures that are held in conjunction with ongoing exhibitions at the Museum provide an added means of understanding the works of art on display, leading to their greater enjoyment and appreciation through the encouragement of in-depth discussions and debates among all those present at the talks. Kumho Museum of Art Archive The Museum is a rich repository of knowledge and information, containing a library of books and other materials that it has collected and preserved for the past 20 years. Its archive collection consists of past exhibition material, material on countless artists whose lives have crossed the Museum, facts and information on international artists and art, as well as museums and galleries both at home and abroad - all in the form of books, catalogues, pamphlets, slides and portfolios, among others. The collection is open to the public for reading purposes at normal Museum opening hours. 5. Kumho Asiana Scholarships We will continue to invest in scholarships and grants, so that today s young generation will not lose heart and give up their dreams for the future for economic reasons, and so that when they in turn become leaders, they can pass on the message of hope that we gave to future generations. _ Sam Koo Park Chairman of Kumho Asiana Cultural Foundation The importance of investing in talented people cannot be underestimated, especially when some come from difficult backgrounds, or when a company doesn t have any other accumulated assets to speak of, or still when a nation is short of natural resources. Kumho Asiana Cultural Foundation 11
- Sam Koo Park Chairman of Kumho Asiana Cultural Foundation Under the conviction that nurturing talent through continuous education is the surest investment for the future, Kumho Asiana Cultural Foundation has set up a scholarship fund to which it has been making continuous contributions since its foundation in 1977. Around Fifty recipients a year are selected from more than 12 universities across the nation and the Foundation pays their entire tuition fees until their graduation so that they are provided with a stable foundation on which to devote all of their energies to their studies without having to concern themselves over finances. Plans are under way to widen its scope of support to include a greater number of universities so that more students can benefit from its assistance. Kumho Asiana Cultural Foundation 12