Professor Lee Chul-ok, Korea’s leading accordionist, is poised to host a special commemorative performance to mark a decade of his ensemble’s contributions to popularizing the accordion in Korea.

The “Lee Chul-ok Accordion Concert With Acomuse” will take place at 7:00 p.m. on October 28 at the Chamber Hall of the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts. The event will be a heartfelt expression of gratitude from Lee and his ensemble for the support received over the past ten years as they championed the accordion’s presence in Korean music.

Internationally acclaimed as the first Korean accordionist to stage a solo concert at New York’s Carnegie Hall, Lee Chul-ok is celebrated both as a performer and as an educator. Currently an adjunct professor at Sudo International Graduate University and president of the Korea Accordion Federations, Lee has played a pivotal role in advancing accordion education domestically.

Audiences can look forward to rich and evocative performances through both duet and ensemble arrangements. The evening’s repertoire will feature reinterpretations of timeless classics by Paganini and Mozart, among others, showcasing the accordion’s distinct tonal beauty and emotional depth across genres and eras. Particularly anticipated is Lee’s solo highlight, “Arirang Sonata,” which received a standing ovation and critical acclaim when performed at Carnegie Hall in 2022.

Despite the lack of formalized, widespread accordion education in Korea, Lee has remained dedicated to nurturing new talent and broadening appreciation for the instrument. His efforts include consistent performances and the publication of multiple educational materials and method books, such as “The Complete Accordion Method” and “Lee Chul-ok Accordion Repertoire Collection,” all of which have significantly enriched the field of accordion instruction in Korea.

The 10th anniversary celebration will not conclude with the Sejong Center performance; a second special concert is scheduled for January 29, 2026, at the IBK Chamber Hall of the Seoul Arts Center, continuing the journey shaped over the past decade and signaling Lee’s commitment to the accordion’s future in Korea.

Reflecting on the milestone, Lee Chul-ok stated, “For the past ten years, I have strived to share the charm of the accordion with as many people as possible. Through this 10th anniversary concert, I wish to present audiences with the unique and beautiful sound world that only the accordion can offer.”

The “Lee Chul-ok Accordion Concert With Acomuse” will be held on October 28 at 7:00 p.m. at the Sejong Center Chamber Hall.

Note “This article was translated from the original Korean version using AI assistance, and subsequently edited by a native-speaking journalist.”

Photo=Lee Chul-ok Acomuse Ensemble