Eunbi Kim: 'it feels like a dream'

Shervin Lainez

Schedule

Thursday, May 11, 2023
7:30 p.m. Program

Pianist Eunbi Kim’s sonic memoir it feels like a dream features a soundworld of classical music threaded with an indie-pop awareness — expanded by the hypnotic projected visuals of new media artist Xuan. This immersive multimedia performance explores issues of family and identity, offering listeners the soundspace to meditate on the dreams they carry and pass on.

it feels like a dream includes works by Daniel Bernard Roumain (DBR), Angélica Negrón, Pauchi Sasaki, and Sophia Jani for piano, pre-recorded voices, and electronics written for and performed by Kim.

"Eunbi Kim is more than a pianist. She sees music as part of a larger cultural world..." — John Schaefer, WNYC

Program:

Disco giratorio de palabras by Angélica Negrón (2020)
Saturn Years by Sophia Jani (2021)
Mother’s Hand, Healing Hand (엄마손은 약손) by Pauchi Sasaki (2021)
It Feels Like a Mountain, Chasing Me by Daniel Bernard Roumain (DBR) (2014)

Pianist: Eunbi Kim
Art Director: Xuan
Composers: Daniel Bernard Roumain (DBR), Angélica Negrón, Pauchi Sasaki, and Sophia Jani
Lighting Designer: Nicholas Houfek

Developed in part during an artist residency at Baryshnikov Arts Center.

About the Artist

Eunbi Kim creates intimate experiences that transcend the conventions of the piano recital and has been noted for her “creative curiosity and fearless experimentation” (New York Public Radio). Kim’s recent album It Feels Like debuted at #2 on Billboard Classical Charts. She has performed at the Kennedy Center and Greene Space WNYC/WQXR and has held residencies at Gilmore Piano Festival and Bennington College. Her repertoire includes works written for her by Daniel Bernard Roumain (DBR) and Pauchi Sasaki as well as Toby Twining’s pieces for toy piano and rare concert works by jazz great Fred Hersh.

Her performance credits include a concert-meditation program at Lincoln Center, an album release party at Joe's Pub, and a TEDx Talk. Past projects include creating music-theater work Murakami Music: Stories of Loss and Nostalgia inspired by the music and pianist characters featured in works by contemporary Japanese novelist Haruki Murakami. Inspired partially by temporary memory loss after the birth of her daughter, Eunbi developed a sonic memoir titled it feels like a dream featuring music from her recent album and immersive projections by new media artist Xuan. This multimedia performance was created as part of an artist residency and premiered to a sold-out audience at the Baryshnikov Arts Center in New York City.

Performing Arts and Culture programs at Asia Society Texas are presented by Syamal and Susmita Poddar. Major support comes from Nancy C. Allen, Chinhui Juhn and Eddie Allen, the City of Houston through Houston Arts Alliance, Houston Endowment, and The Brown Foundation Inc. Generous funding also provided by AARP, The Anchorage Foundation of Texas, The Clayton Fund, The Cullen Trust for the Performing Arts, and the Wortham Foundation. Additional support provided by the Texas Commission on the Arts, National Endowment for the Arts, and through contributions from the Friends of Asia Society, a dedicated group of individuals and organizations committed to bringing exceptional programming and exhibitions to Asia Society Texas.

Performing Arts and Culture Presenting Sponsors

Syamal and Susmita Poddar

Performing Arts and Culture Program Sponsors

About APAH Month at Asia Society Texas

Beginning in 2021, Asia Society Texas has celebrated Asian Pacific American Heritage Month with the Houston community and beyond through a curated calendar for 31 ways to celebrate over the 31 days of May. Spotlighting the traditions, talents, and contributions of Asians and Asian Americans, the calendar highlights the month's key Asia Society programming, providing a platform to showcase local artists, performers, educators, and leaders who contribute to the vibrant, multicultural tapestry of Houston while also featuring staff recommendations for our favorite music, books, movies, and more by Asian and Asian American creatives.

At Asia Society Texas, APAH Month is an opportunity to celebrate and honor Asians and Asian Americans and to uplift their stories to a broader audience as part of our goal to inspire our larger community to better understand one another through culture, conversation, and connection. For information about sponsoring APAH Month and other projects like this one, please contact Saleena Jafry at SJafry@asiasociety.org or 713.496.9939.

See the 2023 Calendar

Sponsors of APAH Month at Asia Society Texas

Asian American Bar Association of Houston
Comcast
The Heimbinder Family Foundation

Past APAH Month Calendars

2022: Highlights | Details
2021: Details

About Asia Society Texas

Asia Society Texas believes in the strength and beauty of diverse perspectives and people. As an educational institution, we advance cultural exchange by celebrating the vibrant diversity of Asia, inspiring empathy, and fostering a better understanding of our interconnected world. Spanning the fields of arts, business, culture, education, and policy, our programming is rooted in the educational and cultural development of our community — trusting in the power of art, dialogue, and ideas to combat bias and build a more inclusive society.