Organized by Special Olympics Korea and Love We Can, a group that specializes in setting up cultural events for those with intellectual disabilities, Pyeongchang Special Music Festival began Tuesday morning for a five-day run through Aug. 10 at Alpensia Resort in Pyeongchang, Gangwon Province.

Artists with intellectual disabilities from 12 different countries, as well as mentors and volunteer workers, will join in the festival, bringing 300 participants.

The festival will include a wide variety of performances by artists prominent in their respective fields, such as cellist Chung Myung-wha, Cuba Jazz Havana Ensemble, jazz guitarist Lee Ritenour, Korean rock band Boohwal’s guitarist Kim Tae-won and more.

Master classes are available for artists with disabilities where they can meet and attend lectures by music specialists and artists in their fields of interest.

“This event is the first of its kind, the first international music festival for those with disabilities. Through this festival I hope that these artists will be able to challenge themselves through their music and gain more opportunities in the future,” said Na Kyung-won, chairman of the festival.

The program also includes a Mini Special Olympic and tour of Korea for those from abroad.

By Cha Yo-rim (yorimcha@heraldcorp.com)