About the Chorale

HOME Arts Troupe Cheongju Civic Chorale About the Chorale
With beautiful sound Great for harmonies Endless research and effort!

By introducing breakthrough playing techniques, we are seeking to achieve a comprehensive artistic performance of choral music and playing the invitations of excellent performers both at home and abroad.

Beautiful sound and gorgeous harmony! Cheongju Civic Chorale. Cheongju Civic Chorale
  • The Cheongju Civic Chorale was founded in 1980, and with the opening of ‘Cheongju Arts Center’ in 1995, the permanent post system that it maintains today was established. Now, the chorale is steadily growing in pursuit of its aim to stand at the top.
  • From 1987 to 1995, the chorale lacked a permanent post system, leading to efforts to develop and secure a permanent post. The chorale eventually found its first conductor in professor Kim Tae-hun, who worked ceaselessly from 1995 to 1999 to help the chorale showcase more advanced levels of music. The next permanent conductor for the Cheongju Civic Chorale was Kim Jeong-yeon. Serving from 1999 to 2011, the new conductor’s leadership secured the chorale’s position as the greatest chorale in the nation. The pursuit of refined choir music and handling of clear and transparent tones and lyrical and academic melodies allowed the chorale to present outstanding talent in multiple genres. Furthermore, the chorale is receiving acclaim for putting on moving performances with clean and vivid music that bridges the gap between the performers and the audience.
  • In particular, in 2000, the chorale’s appearance in [Jikji], a folk opera based on ‘Baegun hwasang chorok buljo jikji simche yojeol (Anthology of Great Buddhist Priests' Zen Teachings)’, the world’s first metal type as well as a cultural heritage from Cheongju and the pride of the world, for its debut at Sejong Grand Theater in Sejong Center was well-received. Since then, the chorale has continued to spread word of the Korean people’s excellence by performing the ‘Jikji’ opera performance every year. Additionally, the chorale is seeking to develop a wider repertoire and a wide range of choir music by inviting famous conductors who are active around the world and holding guest performances, as well as helping people become acquainted with classical music by planning and holding ‘Visiting Concerts.’ These concerts involve holding outdoors performances or actually visiting social welfare facilities, schools, religious groups, and companies in Cheongju and periodically holding concerts. As these activities have revitalized local companies and contributed greatly to local society, citizen response has been incredibly favorable.
  • The Cheongju Civic Chorale has held its self-planned musical, “The Sound of Music”, a total of 3 times, and its production of the creative musical “Jikji” from 2008 to 2009 created waves by shedding a new and unique light on ‘Jikji’, a symbol of Cheongju.
  • The 3rd permanent conductor, Kim Eun-sil, took up the post in 2011, and was succeeded by Gong Gi-tae, the 4th art director and permanent conductor, in May 2015. This change allowed the chorale to expand its repertoire even further and uplifted its capacity for music. The Cheongju Civic Chorale is working internally to raise the individual capabilities of its members by holding a concert for that very purpose once a year, and will continue to make every effort to develop a new repertoire, plan more original performances, and achieve even more perfect harmonies.
  • The Cheongju Civic Chorale would like to thank everyone for their love and devotion. The chorale promises to repay them with each more enthralling and profound music, and asks that they continue to give their generous support and interest.