Abstract

Pansori is one of the world’s great vocal traditions; a genre of musical storytelling performed by a vocalist and a drummer, characterised by expressive singing, stylised speech, a repertory of narratives and gesture, embraces both elite and folk culture.   Anna Yates-Lu’s presentation gives an overview of Korean music and Pansori’s place within it, drawing on her experience as performer and scholar in the genre.

Biography

Anna Yates-Lu is an Associate Professor of Ethnomusicology at Seoul National University's Department of Korean Music. Her area of expertise is the traditional Korean sung storytelling genre pansori, on which she wrote her PhD thesis titled “P’ansori Today: Reconciling Tradition and Creativity in Modern Society" at SOAS, University of London. In line with ethnomusicological principles of participant observation, she has been learning and performing pansori for over 10 years, having performed at the Élysée Palace in Paris, Cadogan Hall in London, as well as at numerous representative venues in Korea. Her research focuses on contemporary performance of traditional Korean music, exploring how it interacts with contemporary broadcasting, social networking and livestream technology, as well as popular trends. She has been awarded by the Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism for her contributions to spreading awareness of traditional Korean music and culture.