Los Angeles is set to host a unique artistic convergence this March, as South Korean contemporary artist Yang Haegue collaborates with the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) and the Los Angeles Philharmonic in a groundbreaking program titled “Star-Crossed Rendezvous.” The project, deeply inspired by the work of Korean composer Isang Yun, promises a multi-sensory experience blending visual art and orchestral performance.
The collaboration, announced on February 25, 2026, marks a significant moment for both institutions and highlights the growing recognition of Yun’s legacy within the international arts community. The program isn’t simply a display of art alongside music. it’s a deliberate dialogue between the two, built around Yun’s 1977 “Double Concerto for Oboe, Harp, and Minor Orchestra.” This ambitious undertaking underscores a commitment to cross-disciplinary exploration and cultural exchange within the vibrant Grand Avenue Cultural District of downtown Los Angeles.
A Dialogue Between Art and Music
Yang Haegue, known for her intricate installations often incorporating everyday materials, will unveil a large-scale blind installation, “Star-Crossed Rendezvous after Yun,” at LACMA on March 10th. According to the Financial News, the artwork, first showcased at the Hayward Gallery in London in October 2024 as part of her survey exhibition ‘Haegue Yang: Leap Year,’ is a direct response to the structure of Yun’s concerto. Unlike traditional concertos that focus on a single soloist, Yun’s piece features a dynamic interplay between the oboe and harp, with melodies exchanged between the instruments. Haegue mirrors this exchange through the movement of two spotlights within a complex geometric structure, creating a visual counterpoint to the musical performance.
The installation itself is comprised of aluminum venetian blinds, a powder-coated aluminum hanging structure, steel wire rope, moving spotlights, a DMX controller, speakers, and tripods, all integrated with a sound component. The dimensions of the work – 400 x 530 x 1,274 cm – suggest an immersive experience designed to envelop the viewer. The use of blinds, a recurring motif in Haegue’s work, adds a layer of complexity, referencing themes of visibility, concealment, and the passage of time.
The Legacy of Isang Yun
Isang Yun (1917-1995) was a pivotal figure in 20th-century music, bridging Eastern and Western musical traditions. Born in Tongyeong, Korea, Yun’s life was marked by political upheaval and artistic resilience. He spent much of his career in Europe, facing challenges due to his family’s involvement with North Korea. Despite these difficulties, he became one of the most celebrated composers of his generation, known for his innovative use of traditional Korean instruments and his exploration of atonality, and serialism. As reported by CNB News, a symposium dedicated to Yun’s musical legacy was held on November 22, 2025, jointly hosted by LACMA and the LA Philharmonic, foreshadowing this current collaboration.
Yun’s “Double Concerto for Oboe, Harp, and Small Orchestra” is a particularly significant work, showcasing his unique compositional style. The concerto’s structure, with its interwoven melodies and contrasting timbres, provides a compelling framework for Haegue’s artistic interpretation. The choice of this piece is not accidental; it embodies the themes of dialogue, exchange, and the interplay of opposing forces that are central to both Yun’s music and Haegue’s art.
A Two-Part Program
“Star-Crossed Rendezvous” will unfold over two distinct events on March 10th. From 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Haegue’s installation will be open to the public at LACMA’s Grand Avenue location. This will allow visitors to experience the artwork independently and contemplate its relationship to Yun’s music. The second part of the program will involve a performance by the Los Angeles Philharmonic, featuring Yun’s “Double Concerto.” The precise details of the orchestral performance, including the soloists and conductor, have not yet been publicly released, but the event promises to be a highlight of the LA Philharmonic’s season.
The collaborative nature of this project extends beyond the artistic realm. The involvement of both LACMA and the LA Philharmonic signifies a commitment to inter-institutional cooperation and a shared vision for enriching the cultural landscape of Los Angeles. The Grand Avenue Cultural District, home to both institutions, is undergoing a period of revitalization, and “Star-Crossed Rendezvous” is poised to become a landmark event in its ongoing development.
The Significance of Collaboration
This collaboration between Yang Haegue, LACMA, and the LA Philharmonic is noteworthy for several reasons. Firstly, it demonstrates the power of cross-disciplinary dialogue to generate novel artistic insights. By bringing together visual art and music, the project challenges conventional boundaries and encourages audiences to experience both art forms in a fresh and innovative way. Secondly, it highlights the importance of preserving and celebrating the legacy of composers like Isang Yun, whose contributions to 20th-century music deserve wider recognition. Finally, it underscores the role of cultural institutions in fostering dialogue, promoting understanding, and enriching the lives of their communities.
The project also builds on a growing trend of artists engaging with musical scores and compositions as source material. This approach allows artists to explore themes of rhythm, harmony, and structure in a visual context, creating works that are both intellectually stimulating and aesthetically compelling. Haegue’s use of light and shadow in “Star-Crossed Rendezvous after Yun” is particularly effective in evoking the dynamic interplay of sound and silence that characterizes Yun’s music.
The event is expected to draw a diverse audience, including art enthusiasts, music lovers, and those interested in Korean culture. The combination of a visually stunning installation and a captivating orchestral performance is likely to appeal to a broad range of tastes and interests. The location of the event, in the heart of downtown Los Angeles, makes it easily accessible to both local residents and visitors.
As March 10th approaches, anticipation is building for “Star-Crossed Rendezvous.” The project represents a unique opportunity to experience the work of a leading contemporary artist in dialogue with the music of a 20th-century master. It is a testament to the power of art to transcend boundaries, foster understanding, and inspire creativity.
Further details regarding the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s performance, including ticketing information and program notes, will be released in the coming weeks. Updates can be found on the LACMA and LA Philharmonic websites. The event promises to be a significant cultural moment for Los Angeles, and a fitting tribute to the enduring legacy of Isang Yun.
Key Takeaways:
- South Korean artist Yang Haegue is collaborating with LACMA and the LA Philharmonic on “Star-Crossed Rendezvous.”
- The project is inspired by Isang Yun’s “Double Concerto for Oboe, Harp, and Small Orchestra.”
- Haegue’s installation, “Star-Crossed Rendezvous after Yun,” will be unveiled at LACMA on March 10th.
- The event will feature a performance by the LA Philharmonic of Yun’s concerto.
The next update regarding the event is expected to be the release of the LA Philharmonic’s performance details, including the conductor and soloists, scheduled for release in early March. We encourage readers to share their thoughts on this exciting collaboration in the comments below and to share this article with their networks.