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First night: ASEAN-Korea Orchestra
 What is a party without good music? During the Korea-ASEAN Commemorative Summit one of the highlights of the gathering was the performance by the Korea-ASEAN traditional orchestra. The musicians had prepared for a whole year for that moment.
The harmony of a total of 79 traditional musical instruments of 52 types from 11 nations was enough to stir the hearts of some 1,500 listeners gathered around to celebrate the friendship and regional cooperation between Korea and ASEAN nations on Sunday (May 31). The performance took place in the Tamna A Hall of Jeju International Convention Center of Jeju-do (Jeju Island).
President Lee Myung-bak and his 10 ASEAN counterparts, as well as CEOs and locals, listened to the traditional music of each country come alive in an unprecedented fusion of music, so different from the tones of a western orchestra, yet comfortable and embracing in nature.
The conductor led the audience to become one with the music, getting into the grand performance with clapping, shoulder dancing and body movements. The folk songs played included Kwaejina-chingching'' (Korea), ''Seloka'' (Malaysia), ''Joget Baju Putih & Zapin Laila Sembah'' (Brunei), ''Reverie'' (Cambodia), ''Bengawan Solo'' (Indonesia), ''Kyaeletpadaytha'' (Myanmar), ''Singapura'' (Singapore), ''Fantasy Vietnam'' (Vietnam), ''Orde-e'' (Philippines), ''Rice's Life'' (Thailand) and ''Tabsuafadin'' (Laos).
 ''I had no idea that traditional instruments from different countries could harmonize this well,'' Goh Yi-soon (52), a Jeju-do local said. ''I especially loved 'Love ASEAN.'
Love ASEAN was the final piece of the concert, and its lyrics contained phrases 'How do you do,' 'I love you' and 'Thank you' in the 11 languages of Korea and ASEAN nations.''
''At first people expressed doubts about the idea to create an orchestra made solely of traditional musical instruments from around Asia,'' said Choi Sang-hwan, professor of Gugak at Chung-Ang University. ''Many instruments were meant to be played solo, some with not enough high tones or low tones and other limitations. Much research and scientific study was made into each and every instrument, as they each hold the life, religion and philosophy of their respective countries. We tried to fully respect that and be in close consultation with each musician.''
The next performance by the ASEAN-Korea Orchestra will take place in the National Theater of Korea in Seoul at 7:30 p.m. on June 4. The title of the performance is ''Sing Together, Think Together'' and reservations can be made at Ticketlink or by simply calling 1588-7890. (For free interpreting call 1330). Ticket prices range from 10,000 won to 30,000 won.
Second night: Dance, music and food
 Dance, music and harmony of food heightened the mood of friendship at the dinner party for the ASEAN-Korea Commemorative Summit, held at the Lotte Hotel, Seogwipo on Jeju-do (Jeju Island) on Monday (June 1).
Various programs of Korean culture entertained heads of state and other dignitaries from 10 ASEAN nations throughout the dinner party.
It was the Seongnam Municipal Troupe of Korean Traditional Performing Arts that opened the evening as the visiting leaders enjoyed their dinner. They performed folk music from around Asia, including Korea's Arirang and even some much-loved soundtrack tunes. There were also some dancers: viewers gave a standing ovation to the ''Hwacheon Taemu'' with its luxuriously dressed dancers and ''Chaesang Gyeonggo-nori,'' a percussion piece dating back to the Goguryeo Kingdom (37 B.C. – A.D. 668).
 Meanwhile, the presidential residence of Cheong Wa Dae revealed that Korea's first lady Kim Yoon-ok had put particular effort into organizing Korean cuisine for the summit, being the honorary chairwoman of the association to promote Hansik (Korean food) abroad.
Various Korean traditional liquors were on the table as well as a colorful variety of kimchi, Jeju-do ear shells, Korean ribs with fresh green ginseng and buckwheat tea were all served, too.
On the same night, Indonesian singer Sruti Respati threw an unexpected performance, singing the song ''I am sure you'll be there.'' It was a pleasant surprise and a touching moment for President of Indonesia Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, who composed the music piece himself.
Prior to the dinner party Minister of Culture, Spots and Tourism Yu In-chon confirmed that the performances would be of superior quality to match the importance of friendship between Korea and the 10 ASEAN countries.
By Kim Hee-sung
Korea.net Staff Writer
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