Before I Knew the Words : An African American Balladeer's Journey into Korean Song
KCCNY Sound & Talk Ep. 2
Presented by Korean Cultural Center New York
Friday, November 14, 2025, 7:30 PM
Korean Cultural Center New York
(122 E 32nd Street, New York, NY 10016)
Admission: Free (Pre-registration is Required)
*RSVP and seating are on a first-come, first-served basis.
*Limited same-day standby tickets available.
*Cancellations must be made at least 48 hours in advance.
Please note: After three no-shows without notice, you may be subject to restrictions on future reservations.
◆ ARTIST
Jamon Maple (Singer)
Hohyeon Kyung (Pianist)
◆ PROGRAM
When Jamon Maple first heard a Korean ballad echoing from a friend’s apartment in New York City, he didn’t understand a single word — but something in the sound shattered him open. What began as a moment of unexpected resonance would ignite a journey across languages, cultures, and continents.
Before I Knew the Words is a solo concert experience tracing Jamon’s real-life transformation from curious listener to viral sensation, becoming one of the most unexpected yet beloved interpreters of Korean song. With breathtaking vocals, intimate storytelling, and a voice that lives between worlds, Jamon invites the audience into a musical pilgrimage—one that led a Black American artist to find his soul’s home in a language he didn’t speak, but somehow always knew.
Through timeless Korean ballads, personal reflection, and original music, this evening is more than a performance — it’s a spiritual homecoming, a celebration of cultural connection, and a reminder that sometimes, the music finds us.
*program may be subject to change.
◆ Jamon Maple
Jamon Maple is an American tenor, educator, and cultural ambassador whose artistry transcends borders. From Carnegie Hall to Korean national television, he has earned international recognition for performances that unite classical, contemporary, and world music traditions through powerful storytelling and cross-cultural connection.
A native of Beaumont, Texas, Maple holds degrees from Boston University and New York University, where he now serves as Adjunct Professor of Voice and Associate Director of the Contemporary Vocal Workshop. His teaching at NYU spans genres from opera to pop, and his students have gone on to perform on Broadway, national tours, and international stages. As a performer, Maple has appeared at major venues including the Kennedy Center, Boston Symphony Hall, and Lincoln Center, and collaborated with acclaimed artists such as Grammy-nominated Indian classical singer Chandrika Tandon. His career in Asia has been particularly groundbreaking: as one of the few African American tenors featured on Korean television programs Fantastic Duo and I Can See Your Voice, he introduced Korean audiences to a rare fusion of Western technique and Korean musical sensibility.
Maple has released original Korean singles—including A Midsummer Night’s Dream, My Only Rhyme, and We United—that have resonated with listeners across cultures. His original composition We United, promoting the reunification of North and South Korea, has been performed at major diplomatic and cultural events and earned him the South Korean President’s official watch in recognition of his artistic contributions.
In 2025, Maple continues his mission of cultural diplomacy with performances at the United Nations and in upcoming documentaries chronicling his journey as a global artist. Through his voice, he celebrates unity, heritage, and the power of music to bridge worlds and bring people together.
KCCNY Sound & Talk
KCCNY Sound & Talk is a unique performance series presented by the Korean Cultural Center New York (KCCNY), designed to foster close connections between artists and audiences. Set in the KCCNY’s 172-seat theater, it creates an intimate space where live performances come alive, offering a deeper and more immersive artistic experience.
Featuring distinguished artists, the series goes beyond performance—offering insights into their creative process, inspirations, and behind-the-scenes stories. More than just a live show, this series invites audiences into a dynamic exchange of ideas while experiencing the joy of learning and meaningful connection to Korean arts and culture.