Classical music buffs in Korea had a rare opportunity to listen to a world-class performance by a Costa Rican pianist on Wednesday.

Pianist Manuel Obregon, former Costa Rican culture and youth minister (2010-14), played his compositions as well as those of his countrymen ― Cesar Alceo, Ulpiano Duarte, Ray Tico and Justo Santos.

The performance, at a traditional Korean house in Bukchon Hanok Village in Seoul, took place with the backdrop of the sunset. The combination of a unique stage, music and wine created a multisensory experience for the audience.

Obregon is known as a musician of peace and environment, and has released more than 20 albums that celebrate the relationship between music and nature as well as Central American culture.

“Costa Rican music was influenced by European, Latin American, Aboriginal and African cultures,” Obregon told The Korea Herald at the event. “Both as an artist and former minister, I have tried to integrate the people and country through my music. That is my musical philosophy and approach.”

He had invited Korean artists to the country’s international cultural festivals in 2013, and has since been appointed the Cultural Goodwill Ambassador by the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Dominican Ambassador Grecia Pichardo, who participated in the event, appreciated the opportunity to listen to Costa Rican music for the first time, despite having lived in Latin America for many years.

The event was organized by the Music for One Foundation and Life Culture Forum, and supported by Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

By Joel Lee  (joel@heraldcorp.com)