Korean Choir sings for Nellis Airmen Published Aug. 11, 2009 By Nellis Public Affairs 99 Air Base Wing NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- Nellis Airmen, family and friends enjoyed a first performance by the Chai Hoon-cha Choir, an internationally recognized choir from Seoul, South Korea, at the Nellis Base Chapel, Aug. 10. The mission of the group's visit to Nellis was twofold, introduce the base populace to Korean culture and boost morale, said Chaplain (Capt.) Andrew Suh, 99th Air Base Wing chaplain and Nellis' coordinator for the group's visit. "We have performed at hospitals, military bases, and other places in Korea, but it is an honor to perform here," said Mr. Chai Hoon-cha, the artistic director and conductor of the choir. "We want to introduce people to Korean music and culture, share the gospel and unite our cultures through music." Nellis attendees were eagerly excited to sit in on the performance by this renowned choir, as the base chapel slowly filled up. "I've never been to a Korean- English concert before," said Airman Cynthia Haughton, 99th Air Base Wing public affairs and concert attendee. "I am glad I went. My favorite part was the Korean Folk Song. This is something that I truly enjoyed and hoped that they visit us again next year." The group performed seven songs, some were in English and some were in Korean. "It's a blessing and a great opportunity to have them come here," said Chaplain Suh. "They are a group of professionals and are extremely talented." The group was founded in 2001 by the alumni of Korean Students' Glee Club and was named after Professor Chai Hoon-cha, a well-known and respected leader in the Korean music community. The many accomplishments of the group included various concerts in the United Kingdom and Canada, an invitation to perform at the fourth World Choir Games in Xiamen, China, and a performance in the Kammerchor Stuttgart concert at the Seoul Art Center. This year, the Chai Hoon-cha Choir held performances in the U.S. and Canada, Aug. 6 to 14.
