▲ Wind instruments are played among palm trees at last year’s festival. Photo courtesy Jeju International Wind Ensemble Festival

The 18th Jeju International Wind Ensemble Festival (JIWEF) and 8th Jeju International Brass Competition will be held at various venues across Jeju Island, Aug. 8 - 16. The theme this year is “Island, the resonance of wind” and 465 participants from 15 countries will compete.

Hosted by Jeju Special Self-Governing Province and Jeju International Wind Ensemble Festival Organizing Committee, JIWEF boasts world-class wind and brass performances in stunning scenery. Artistic Director Steven Mead said this:

“I can think of no better place to make beautiful wind music than on the island of Jeju,” he said.

The festival opens at 3 p.m., Aug. 8, at the Culture and Arts Center, Jeju City. More than 60 performances will be made over the course of the festival at venues such as Jeolmul Recreation Forest, Guemneung Eutteumwon Beach, Hallim Park and Yongnuni Oreum.

It isn’t all about music, however. Kim Wang-seung, the JIWEF Chairman, said it is also fostering global solidarity and peace.

“The world is now standing shoulder to shoulder with culture and the arts, focusing on creating a peaceful global village [through] cooperation and mutual understanding.”

Not only is the festival the world’s biggest wind instrument competition, but it also includes the Jeju International Brass Competition as part of the WFIMC (World Federation of International Music Competitions). The competition is the only in the world that holds whole brass divisions, including horn, trumpet, tenor trombone, and golden crown quintet.

Chairman Kim explained the festival philosophy further.

“Playing an instrument is not a luxurious personal interest. It is a meditation through cooperation with others to share appreciation and pleasure,” said Kim.

Artistic Director Mead was also sure about the healing power of music.

“The Wind Festival brings together musi-cians not just from Asia but all continents of the world, in a spirit of friendship and love that unites people, not just musicians.”

Members of the public are encouraged to attend performances across the island. To end the festival, on Friday, Aug. 16, the winner of the Jeju International Brass Competition will perform at Jeju Art Center.

◉ “Our town” JIWEF concerts

8.09 Fri 15:30

Tamna Education Training Institute

8.10 Sat 15:00

Jeju Jeolmul Recreation Forest

8.11 Sun 15:00

Hallim Park

8.12 Mon 18:00

Daehul Elementary School

8.13 Tue 16:00

Hallim Park

8.13 Tue 18:00

Guemneung Ueitteumone Beach

8.14 Wed 16:00

Hallim Park

8.14 Wed 18:00

Kim Young Gap Gallery

8.15 Thu 15:00

Hallim Park

8.16 Fri 14:00

YongnuniOreum