Camarata conductor, Studio HBC promoter wants everyone to sing

Ryan Goessl stands on the conductor's podium with members of Camarata Chorale and Orchestra at Jeonnong Methodist Church, May 21, prior to a performance of Mozart's Requiem. / Korea Times photo by Jon Dunbar

By Jon Dunbar

On Friday he's running a basement show with punk and hardcore bands in Seoul's Haebangchon area, and on Saturday he's putting on a tailcoat to conduct a choir and orchestra performing Mozart's Requiem & Symphony 41.

That's just how Ryan Goessl rolls.

A doctor of music in choral conducting, Goessl is best known for running the four choirs and orchestra of the renowned Camarata Music. Camarata is widely recognized for its musical excellence, well-known to the government, foreign embassies in Korea, chambers of commerce and more. Camarata's Chamber Singers won the "Best of the Best" award at the 2019 Presidential Choral Competition. Goessl also represents Korea on the World Choir Council.

And after all this, he's also become one of Seoul's busiest live music promoters, organizing multiple weekly events at The Studio HBC, a venue for anything from rock and heavy metal to stand-up comedy, drag and even pro wrestling.

"I wouldn't say that I am moving into a new direction at all, but rather, I am expanding and broadening my direction," Goessl said. "Although my No.1 passion is classical music, there is enjoyment, beauty and excitement in all forms of music. Everyone has a story to tell, and they do through their music. By starting The Studio HBC, we provide a musical outlet and home for musicians and other performing artists. I love all music, and I enjoy making music with all sorts of people from different walks of life and musical tastes. I want all forms and variety of performance at The Studio."

Ryan Goessl, right, grapples with Shiho the Red Fox of Pro Wrestling Society (PWS) after splashing each other with water, during a Pub Brawl event at The Studio HBC, May 28. / Korea Times photo by Jon Dunbar

He cited his mission with Camarata to "Create Global Communities Through the Universal Language of Music," and added that his own life mission is to "show that everyone can sing and be musical, and [The Studio HBC] is another step in that direction."

Admit it, if you can see past the baton and coattails, that's still pretty punk rock.

When his arm was twisted a little, he admitted that some of the acts he puts on are "not my cup of tea," but refused to name names. "Music is a form of expression, and we need to let our musical artists express themselves!" he said. "By doing this, we provide an opportunity for people to see a variety of music while fostering a community of people who love music and performance. It is like a music family. Of course, it is a never-ending learning experience, but we are enjoying growing and becoming better while improving the venue at the same time."

Goessl emphasized that classical music is still his true musical love. "Chorus and orchestra is where my true heart lies," he said. "To get 100 people to sing together for a common goal, in harmony and at a high level, is something that I always long for, and it is special. That said, bands have a story to tell as well."

Ryan Goessl, front left, gestures at the members of Camarata Chorale and Orchestra while receiving applause after performing Mozart's Requiem, May 21. / Korea Times photo by Jon Dunbar

As well as conducting and giving professional vocal lessons to anyone from absolute beginners to professionals, including classical, rock, jazz and even K-pop singers. Goessl has also dabbled in indie music, performing in a blues rock band which he described as being "a ton of fun."

"There is so much creativity and artistry in Seoul, and one of the areas it is hidden is in the Korean indie music scene," he said. "Especially lately with the rise of K-pop, I think that the indie rock scene is hiding in the shadows. However, the amount of talent and creativity in this scene is overwhelming. I am constantly impressed by the talent that this industry provides, and that is why I am considering how Camarata Music, being a classical music organization can partner up in the indie industry for some sort of fusion performances."

Goessl has clearly had a lot of fun so far putting on shows, and each month he pulls off new surprises.

"I would have to say my favorite events are two-fold," he said. "Of course I love providing a venue that is popular and with popular bands, but ... I love seeing new bands succeed. I always will give a place to new bands to try their artistry, and it is great to see them work on it, improve it and be successful."

He also emphasized the number of charity shows he's done, to raise money for a cause. "I love our fundraising events," he said. "I love bringing in amazing bands and performers to support those who need our help the most."

His events have supported causes close to his heart, especially gender inclusivity and equality and LGBTQ rights. "Everyone has a right to live their best life," he said. "I feel that we have a responsibility as musicians, to support those who need help, through our music."

He took the plunge with The Studio HBC in June 2020, opening the venue in Camarata Music's Haebangchon studio space which he'd been running for about a decade already. Before that, he said it was an office for an online shopping mall.

"When COVID began, it presented an opportunity to overhaul the place to make a live music venue, which was severely lacking in the Haebangchon and Itaewon areas," he said.

"I think HBC has potential to be a major nightlife spot. We are already seeing it. I don't know if I want it to be the next Hongdae. I really hope that the area does not gentrify too much, but rather, retains its unique flavor. We do already get some of the Hongdae crowd over here, and I would like to see that continue. There are more places to have a great night out than just in Hongdae."

Ryan Goessl, middle, talks with members of the punk band Rumkicks after a show outside The Studio HBC, May 20. / Korea Times photo by Jon Dunbar

Goessl has been in Korea for about 17 years and has been a fixture of the Haebangchon/Itaewon community since 2008. "The amount of development over the past 4-5 years especially has been insane. When I first came to HBC, there were just a couple of bars (Phillies, HBC Bar). I came at the same time that Jacoby moved in and a year or two after, Le Cafe moved in. There were some Korean BBQ restaurants and chicken restaurants, but that is about it. Only a couple of those businesses remain (laundromat and a couple of real estate agencies)."

He recalls positively the move about five years ago to install sidewalks along the street, but he thinks more can be done.

"I would love to see the street be developed into a one-way to further protect pedestrians," he suggested. "I do hope that the area retains its uniqueness and unique international flavor. In regard to the pandemic, everyone struggles/struggled, and HBC was no different. It was especially tough on small businesses and nightlife, and it would have been nice if there was more support."

Now that the pandemic restrictions are ending, Goessl is seeing bigger and bigger crowds at The Studio HBC. And as live music communities are returning, they are finding Goessl's venue more and more attractive.

"We are going to continue to improve the space to give our customers and musicians the best experience possible," he said. "I would love to expand, but we will see what happens. I would like to open a couple more live music venues in Seoul, and possibly in Busan"

Right now, his biggest project is Camarata Music's musical production of Stephen Sondheim's "Into the Woods." There After three shows on opening weekend, he has three more, this Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Sunday at 4 p.m. The shows are held at Dulwich College Auditorium, and tickets cost 25,000 won in advance or 35,000 won at the door.

Email tickets@camaratamusic.com to book tickets for "Into the Woods," or visit camaratamusic.org for more information about Camarata Music. For more about The Studio HBC, go to thestudiohbc.com, fb.com/thestudiohbc or Instagram @thestudiohbc. Goessl also operates an open KakaoTalk group with almost 200 members for the latest information about upcoming events.