Washington Samulnori
Maryland-based Washington Samulnori presents exciting folk rhythms of Korea with four percussive instruments: the changgo (hourglass-shaped drum), the buk (barrel drum), the jing (large gong), and the kkwaenggwari (small gong). The Korean words "sa" and "mul" mean "four things" and "nori" means "to play." The samulnori repertoire can be traced to farmers´ band music ("nong-ak") and ceremonial music. The repertoire of samulnori also integrates the influences of folk and religious music and their intricate rhythms have become quite uniquely their own.