A CONSORTIUM FOR CHAMBER ORCHESTRA
LED BY ROCO, HOUSTON'S CHAMBER ORCHESTRA
The Swallow and
the Magic Gourds
A three-part orchestral retelling of the beloved Korean folktale Heungbu and Nolbu.
FORMAT
Three independent
works
EACH WORK
8-10 minutes
COMPLETE WORK
25-30 minutes
PREMIERE SEASON
2028-2029
01 - THE STORY
Two brothers.
Two very different hearts.
When kindhearted Heungbu saves an injured swallow, the bird returns with a mysterious seed. It grows into enormous gourd filled with unexpected treasures.
After witnessing his brother's miraculous good fortune, the greedy Nolbu attemps to recreate it for himself. His own magical gourds contain a very different surprise.
Filled with humor, wonder, and transformation, Heungbu and Nolbu are one of Korea's most beloved folktales. Its enduring story explores kindness, greed, family, and the unexpected consequences of our choices.
I | The Swallow
An Act of kindness begins an extraordinary journey.
II | The Magic Gourds
A humble home is transformed by wonder and abundance.
III | The Reckoning
Greed turns the same magic toward an unexpected end.
02 - PROGRAMMING POSSIBILITIES
One Story. Flexible Scale.
Each work may be performed independently, or all three may be presented as a substantial orchestral centerpiece.
Lunar New Year Concerts
Korean and Asian Cultural Programs
Family and Educational Concerts
Community Engagement Events
Subscription Concerts
Storytelling and Folktale Programs
03 - BEYOND THE CONCERT
Music written to be heard.
Nicky Sohn creates work that is unmistakably new yet rooted in familiar emotions, stories, and musical gestures, challenging the perception that contemporary classical music is inaccessible or disconnected from its audience.
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Activities can be shaped around the needs of each orchestra and its community.
01 | School and University Visits
02 | Pre-Concert Talks and Open Rehearsals
03 | Composition Workshops
04 | Conversations on Korean Culture and Storytelling
04 - SAMPLE WORKS
Orchestral storytelling in action.
For Orchestra
For Chamber Orchestra
05 - CONSORTIUM INFORMATION
Everything your orchestra needs to know
COMPOSER
LEAD COMMISSIONER
SCOPE
INSTRUMENTATION
DURATION
DELIVERY
Nicky Sohn
ROCO, Houston's Chamber Orchestra
Three-part work for chamber orchestra for the 2028-29 concert season
2.2.2.2 / 2.2.1.1 / timp + 2 percussion / piano/celeste, harp / strings (6.6.4.4.2)
Approximately 8-10 minutes per work for a complete work of 25-30 minutes
June 2028, Fall 2028, and Spring 2029 (Exact dates to be confirmed)
01
PDF score and parts delivered electronically.
02
Recognition as a consortium member in the score.
04
The option to present individual works or the complete composition.
05
Coordination of educational and community engagement activities.
03
Performance exclusivity for the 2028-29 and 2029-30 seasons, following premieres by ROCO, Houston's Chamber Orchestra.
06
A flexible work designed for many kinds of seasons and audiences.