The city of Andong in North Gyeongsang Province announced Wednesday it will host the 19th National Bom Nadeuli Children's Song Festival on July 4 at 1 p.m. at the Andong International Convention Center's main conference hall. The event honors Socheon Kwon Tae-ho, the Andong-born composer of "Bom Nadeuli," a children's song widely known for its opening lyric "Narinari gaenari, ibeh ttada mulgoyo."
The festival was established to celebrate the musical legacy of Socheon, a children's song composer from Andong.
The Korea Music Association's Andong chapter and the Socheon Kwon Tae-ho Memorial Foundation are organizing the event, with support from the city of Andong and the Korea Arts and Culture Association's Andong chapter.
Registration opens June 15 and runs through June 19 via email. Elementary school participants must pass a video preliminary round on June 26 to qualify for the finals, while kindergarten-age participants may enter the finals directly without a preliminary round.
The competition is divided into solo and ensemble categories. The solo category is open to kindergarteners and elementary school students across lower, middle and upper grade divisions. Ensemble teams must consist of two to 12 kindergarten or elementary school students from anywhere in the country.
Finalists will each perform one original children's song of their choice. A highlight of the finals will be a group sing-along in which all participants perform two of Socheon's signature songs — "Bom Nadeuli" and "Nunkkot Sae" — together.
Application forms and detailed guidelines are available on the Korea Arts and Culture Association Andong chapter's blog. Further inquiries can be directed to the Korea Music Association's Andong chapter.
"Children's songs are a precious cultural heritage that nurtures children's sensibility and creativity," an official from the Korea Music Association's Andong chapter said. "We hope many children will participate in this festival honoring Socheon Kwon Tae-ho and freely showcase their dreams and talents."
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