Jeng Yi is a Korean drum, dance and music ensemble based in Toronto.They perform an exciting and dynamic repertoire of original compositions and dance works as well as traditional pieces.

The group is comprised of male drummers who perform primarily on four percussion instruments: two kinds of leather drums and two kinds of metal gongs. Not just accomplished musicians, the members of Jeng Yi are also dancers and perform Pyong, a much-talked-about dance where the drummers spin the Sangmo, a ribboned hat. According to legend, the streamers would have shards of glass or metal and were used as weapons during battle.

Although primarily known for their mesmerizing percussion pieces, Jeng Yi also performs a collection of collaborations with traditional string player Ms. Joo Hyung Kim. Her soulful works on the Kayagum, a traditional zither, provide a melodic balance to the drums. Jeng Yi also accompanies local choreographer and dancer Ms. Soojung Kwon on traditional and contemporary Korean dance works.

When not touring, the ensemble is busy composing, creating and mounting innovative concerts and performances in Toronto. Jeng Yi has mounted a variety of exciting productions from intimate music recitals, to site-specific works, to interactive shows for young people and large-scale theatrical productions.

If you would like to receive notices of our upcoming shows, please email us at info@jengyi.com with “mailing list” in the subject heading. If you prefer regular mail, please include your mailing address.

Jeng Yi’s activities have been greatly supported by the Toronto Arts Council, Ontario Arts Council and the Canada Council for the Arts.We thank them for their generosity.

Jeng Yi (쟁이): The word has no single equivalent in English. The closest translations are perhaps “doer” or “go-getter” but with lots of bravado and flair with a touch of good-natured mischief.