KCCLA to mark U.S. 250th anniversary with Korea-America concert in Los Angeles

The Korean Cultural Center Los Angeles will host Concert 250: Sounds of Korea & America on Sept. 10, 2026, at Zipper Hall in downtown Los Angeles. The free program pairs Korean and American classical and jazz works to spotlight cultural ties between the two countries as the U.S. prepares to mark its 250th anniversary of independence.

Why it matters: - The concert uses music to highlight the long-running cultural relationship between South Korea and the United States. - The event ties into the 250th anniversary of American independence, giving the program a broader national and historical frame. - The performance brings Korean and American artists together on one stage in downtown Los Angeles.

What happened: - The Korean Cultural Center Los Angeles will present “Concert 250: Sounds of Korea & America” on Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. - The concert will take place at Zipper Hall at the Colburn School in downtown Los Angeles. - KCCLA Director Haedon Lee is leading the presentation of the event. - The concert is free and open to the public, but advance registration through the Korean Cultural Center Los Angeles website is required.

The details: - The program will feature American works including Aaron Copland’s “Fanfare for the Common Man,” Duke Ellington’s “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing),” and George Gershwin’s “Summertime” and “Someone to Watch Over Me.” - Korean repertoire will include “As Spring Comes Across the River,” “Long for Mount Geumgang,” “First Love,” and “Woonden Tombstone.” - The concert will end with newly arranged versions of “Arirang” and “God Bless America.” - The event brings together Korean and American classical musicians based in Southern California. - Artistic Director Jinyoung Jang will lead the program. Jang studied voice at Seoul National University College of Music, performed with the Knoxville Opera Studio, served as a Resident Artist with LA Opera, and is now an adjunct professor at Antelope Valley College. - Jon Lee Keenan and Wooyoung Kim, both active with the LA Master Chorale, will perform. - Maria Ramirez, who has performed leading roles with Portland Opera and appeared as a soloist in numerous oratorio performances, is also part of the lineup. - The instrumental ensemble includes the Trio Barclay, led by violinist Dennis Kim, concertmaster of Pacific Symphony. - The Colburn Brass Quintet and oboist Connor Shim, a 2026 Music Center Spotlight Finalist, will also perform.

Between the lines: - The concert is designed as both a commemoration and a cultural bridge. - The repertoire mixes American standards and Korean art songs to underline shared artistic expression. - The final pairing of “Arirang” and “God Bless America” signals a deliberate emphasis on mutual respect and harmony. - KCCLA is positioning the event as a community-building moment, not just a performance.

What’s next: - Audience members must register in advance through the Korean Cultural Center Los Angeles website. - KCCLA provided contact options for additional information at 323-936-7141 and kelly@kccla.org. - The center will continue using exhibitions, performances, educational programs and other cultural initiatives to promote exchange between Korea and the United States.

The bottom line: - Concert 250 aims to turn a U.S. milestone into a shared cultural event, with music serving as the centerpiece of Korea-U.S. friendship.