When Korean komungo player Jin Hi-kim looked for a partner trained in the Western style of music to collaborate with, she took her time, just like she does with her music. Jin Hi-kim (left) and Gerry Hemingway: JP/Prodita Sabarini Music created by playing komungo, a fourth century traditional Korean zither, differs greatly from rigidly timed music originating from the Western musical tradition, Kim explained. Her instrument, initially only used by male Confucius scholars to meditate, allows for a more relaxed flow of rhythm, compared to Western music. A different sensitivity in approaching music is thus required, she added. Yet she found it in acclaimed drummer Gerry Hemingway. The two have been collaborating since 2003, performing Kim’s vision of cross-cultural music compositions for her komungo/electronic komungo solo works. New York-based Kim, currently a composer in residence with ...