In the presence of a host of Korean culture fans in Egypt, pianist Lee Soojung and flutist Kwon Yewon from Korea performed a collection of classical pieces at the Cairo Opera House Small Hall, on 17 February.

The Korean artists played works by Schubert, Verdi, Gabriel Furie and Benjamin Goddard, as well as the thrilling traditional Korean music "Arirang," which received a big round of applause.

Pianist Lee Soojung and flutist Kwon Yewon from Korea performing at the opera house (Photo courtesy of the KCC)

Speaking to the audience, Korean Ambassador Yoon Yeocheol said the concert offered a different aspect of Korean culture; the classical Western music which became most popular among Korean youth. 

“Korean musicians have achieved great ingenuity in playing this kind of music,” Yoon said.

Lee is a professor of piano at the School of Music, Soongsil University. She won the first prize at the KBS (Korea Broadcasting System) Music Competition in 1977. Kwon graduated from Ewha Woman's University and she is a professor of flute at Gyeonggi Arts High school.

The Korean ambassador noted that Egypt and Korea each have their own traditional music, yet classical Western music remains one of the key ingredients of world music, which is considered the common language among music lovers around the world.

“South Korea is home to a number of distinguished musicians in classical music who have won many awards at international festivals and competitions,” he added.

Ambassador Yoon confirmed that the Korean Embassy and the Korean Cultural Centre (KCC) in Egypt will continue to organise many cultural events to introduce various aspects of the Korean arts such as music, traditional dance, Korean pop music, drama and Korean cinema, which earned global fame after the four Oscars Parasite claimed.