YourClassical Happy Hour with Jacqueline Ultan & Soojin Lee
About this Event
YourClassical host Steve Seel will set the mood with a curated soundtrack. Then, enjoy a Q&A and live performance featuring the unexpected pairing of Korean gayageum and cello.
MacPhail faculty members Dr. Soojin Lee and Jacqueline Ultan blend Korean traditions, Celtic melodies, jazz and global influences in a unique cross-cultural musical collaboration.
Plus, there will be beverages and food available for a fee.
IMPORTANT EVENT DETAILS
- SEATING: There will be a limited number of seats available at this event on a first come, first served basis.
- PARKING: Paid parking available in nearby Mill City district ramps and meters; limited short-term drop-off available at the main entrance. See a map of nearby parking options.
- ADMISSION: FREE with RSVP - Please note: A limited number of RSVP spots are available. If they fill up, we'll update this page.
Information about the Performance and Artists
Gayageum & Cello: A Cross-Cultural Dialogue
Experience an unexpected musical pairing as MacPhail faculty members Soojin Lee (gayageum) and Jacqueline Ultan (cello) bring together the sounds of East and West. Blending the rich traditions of Korean music with Celtic melodies, jazz standards, and global influences, the duo explores the unique possibilities of these two string instruments through original arrangements and creative collaboration.
Join us for an engaging performance that crosses musical traditions and celebrates the connections that music can create.
Artist Bios
Jacqueline Ultan
Jacqueline Ultan is a cellist, composer, and improviser whose work spans classical, experimental, pop, rock, theater, and dance. A member of the Laurel String Quartet, she collaborates widely with ensembles and artists across genres and has recorded and performed with nationally recognized musicians and groups. Ultan is a recipient of a McKnight Performing Artist Fellowship, MacPhail Artist and Commissioning Grants, and support from MRAC and the Minnesota State Arts Board. Her compositional work includes music for TED Talks and an original score for Theater Latté Da. A six-time artist-in-residence at Tofte Lake Center, Ultan is also a dedicated educator on the faculty at the MacPhail Center for Music and holds a master’s degree from Yale University.
Soojin Lee
Dr. Soojin Lee is a gayageum performer and educator dedicated to introducing gugak (Korean traditional music) and exploring the expressive possibilities of the instrument. She has presented lecture-demonstrations across the U.S. and led multiple sessions at the Minnesota Music Educators Association conference. Since 2021, she has served as a Teaching Artist in Residence at the MacPhail Center for Music, reaching over 3,500 students. She is also a 2026-27 MPR Class Notes Artist. Dr. Lee holds bachelor's and master's degrees in gayageum performance from Seoul National University, as well as degrees from the University of California, Irvine, and the University of Minnesota, where her doctoral research focused on multicultural and Indigenous music education.
Agenda
🕑: 04:00 PM - 05:15 PM
Event begins ; YourClassical Host, Steve Seel starts DJing
🕑: 05:15 PM - 06:00 PM
Steve Seel hosts Q&A with artists Jacqueline Ultan & Soojin Lee
🕑: 06:00 PM - 07:00 PM
Live music performance from Jacqueline Ultan & Soojin Lee
🕑: 07:00 PM
Event ends
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00
