[gamin’s musical Odyssey] Episode 2. My debut at Lincoln Center on my very first visit in NY

script
One day in 2007, I received a call from my office. They asked if I would be willing to represent Korean traditional music at an international music concert organized by UNESCO. It was an incredible honor-a rare opportunity to be selected for an international event outside of my regular orchestra work with the National Gugak Center.
Since the National Gugak Center is a government organization, UNESCO had specifically requested a musician to represent Korea. I was recommended by the director of the orchestra-a privilege I’ll never forget. I was thrilled! This was a chance to perform abroad, not with an orchestra, but as an individual artist, working alongside global musicians. Of course, I immediately said yes.
The tour was two weeks long: 10 days in Paris and 4 days in New York. I had concert tours internationally before, but always as part of a group. This time, it was different. I was flying solo, collaborating with musicians from all over the world. I was so excited about this new collaboration.
A few years after this experience, performing internationally as an independent artist became part of my routine. Three years later, In 2010, I left my position as a principal player in the orchestra, at National Gugak Center, and fully embraced life as a full-time performing artist."
This concert tour in Paris and NY was a life-changing experience. I still remember the fresh, crisp air as I walked through the streets in Paris. I saw people carrying baguettes, noticed pigeons everywhere, and caught the scent of cigarettes lingering in the air. It was November, a bit chilly, but everything felt so alive and fresh-even the small inconveniences, like unkind shopkeepers or navigating unfamiliar streets, didn’t bother me. It gave me a complete free spirit, a sense of freedom I didn’t even know I was craving.
The first concert was held on November 26, 2007, at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris, accompanied by the Prague Philharmonic. The second performance took place on December 3, 2007, at Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center in New York, with the Orchestra of St. Luke's.
These events were part of 'Melody for Peace: Dialogue Among Civilizations,' organized by UNESCO. The project brought together a mixed orchestra that blended ethnic and classical music, creating a truly unique sound. One of Korea’s renowned violinists, Ji-Hyun Kim, was the soloist. The event was widely covered by Korean broadcasters and news outlets in New York, which made me feel incredibly proud to represent my culture on such a global stage. It was an unforgettable experience that reinforced the power of music.
Rehearsals were intense and fun. For a week, I spent my mornings commuting to the rehearsal space, working closely with the musicians, composer, conductor, and orchestra. Lunch was always a baguette sandwich; in the evenings, we would gather for jam sessions. It was a special kind of magic, connecting with musicians from all over the world despite language barriers.
I met so many incredible music masters like Guo Gan, chinese erhu player, and Min Xiao-Fen, pipa performer, and many others. Though my English was slow and broken, the music created a universal bond. The Korean Embassy even brought me flowers at the Paris concert-it was such a heartwarming gesture that I remember.
The concerts went beautifully, and it was an incredible privilege to make my debut at Lincoln Center with my first performance in New York.
Those performances marked a turning point in my life. The opportunity to represent Korean traditional music on such prestigious stages, collaborating with brilliant musicians, was unforgettable. It wasn’t just about the music-it was about connection, culture, and growth as an artist.
My short stay in New York was both a cultural shock and a love affair. I stayed in an old hotel near Times Square, surrounded by constant noise. Surprisingly, that chaotic environment felt inspiring. The city’s vibrancy left such a deep impression on me.
On my last day, before I return to Korea, I couldn’t hold back my tears. I already missed New York, even before I left. At that moment, I promised myself I would return to this magical place again someday.
Melody for Peace by Anthony Paul De Ritis
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