Korean Cultural Center of Chicago and Roosevelt University Orchestra to Present

 

• September 25 concert at BISCO Hall celebrates Hangawi (Korean Thanksgiving Day) through classical music, “Arirang,” and Korean traditional refreshments

 

WHEELING, IL — September 2, 2026 — The Korean Cultural Center of Chicago (KCCoC) and Roosevelt University will present the “Celebrating Hangawi 2026” Concert on Friday, September 25, at 7:00 p.m. at BISCO Hall in Wheeling, Illinois.

 

Hangawi, also known as Chuseok, is one of Korea’s most important traditional holidays. A time for families and communities to gather, give thanks for the year’s abundance, and share food and fellowship, Hangawi is often described as Korea’s Thanksgiving. In celebration of this cherished holiday, KCCoC is bringing together Korean traditional culture and classical music to create a special evening of music, cultural exchange, and community for Korean Americans, local residents, and music lovers throughout the Chicago area.

 

The concert will feature the Camerata of Roosevelt University’s Chicago College of Performing Arts and special guest musicians under the direction of Maestro Benjamin Firer. The program will open with “Arirang,” one of Korea’s most beloved traditional songs and a powerful symbol of Korean cultural identity. Following the recent excitement surrounding BTS and “Arirang” in Chicago, audiences will have another opportunity to experience this iconic Korean melody—this time through the rich and expressive sound of an orchestra. The evening will continue with a selection of classical works and collaborative performances, inviting audiences to experience the beauty of an autumn evening while exploring the themes of gratitude, togetherness, and abundance that lie at the heart of Hangawi.

 

“Hangawi is a time when families and neighbors come together to share gratitude, food, and meaningful moments,” said a representative of KCCoC. “Through this special concert, we hope to share the warmth and spirit of Hangawi with the broader Chicago community and give families, friends, and neighbors an opportunity to enjoy beautiful music and create lasting memories together.” Following the concert, guests will be invited to a traditional Korean Hangawi reception featuring Songpyeon, traditional half-moon-shaped rice cakes, and Sikhye, a sweet Korean rice beverage. The reception will offer audiences an opportunity to experience Korean holiday traditions beyond the concert stage and to share in the warmth and hospitality that are central to Hangawi.

 

KCCoC has presented a variety of programs celebrating Korean traditional holidays and culture throughout Chicago and the Midwest. This year’s concert continues that tradition by using music as a bridge between cultures and communities.

 

The Korean Cultural Center of Chicago welcomes Korean American families as well as members of the broader Chicago community to join this special celebration. By bringing together a university orchestra, Korean cultural traditions, and the community in one evening, “Celebrating Hangawi 2026” aims to create a meaningful cultural exchange through music.

 

EVENT INFORMATION

• “Celebrating Hangawi 2026” Concert
• Date: Friday, September 25, 2026 at & 7 PM
• Location: BISCO Hall, Korean Cultural Center of Chicago (9600 Capitol Drive, Wheeling, IL)
• Admission:
  General Admission — $40
  Students & Seniors — $10
• Tickets: zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/korean-thanksgiving–2026

 

Media & Event Inquiries: event@kccoc.org (847) 947-4460