Grammy-winning jazz giant Maria Schneider to hold first concert in South Korea

Maria Schneider, a towering figure in contemporary big band jazz, is set to make her highly anticipated debut in South Korea with a special concert on July 31 at the Lotte Concert Hall in Seoul. The performance will feature the Maria Schneider Orchestra, a 19-piece ensemble comprising acclaimed musicians from the New York jazz scene.

Schneider, a composer, arranger, and conductor, has redefined the big band sound since her 1994 debut album 'Evanescence.' Her work is characterized by intricate harmonies, lyrical woodwind arrangements, and evocative, narrative compositions that draw inspiration from nature and landscapes. She has consistently pushed the boundaries of traditional big band music, blending jazz improvisation with elements of classical and contemporary music to create a rich, multi-layered sonic experience.

Her illustrious career has earned her 14 Grammy nominations and 7 wins. Notably, she received a Grammy for her arrangement of 'Sue (Or in a Season of Crime)' from David Bowie's final studio album, 'Blackstar' (2016), highlighting her versatility across jazz, classical, and pop genres. Schneider honed her craft working as an assistant to renowned composer and arranger Gil Evans, a collaborator of Miles Davis.

Beyond her musical achievements, Schneider is also recognized for her innovative approach to music production and distribution. Since the early 2000s, she has utilized the fan-participation platform ArtistShare to fund her albums and share her creative process with supporters. This method, exemplified by her work 'Concert in the Garden,' which won a Grammy for Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album in 2005, marked the first fan-funded album to receive a Grammy and the first to win a Grammy solely through online sales.

The upcoming Seoul concert will showcase Schneider's signature sound with a lineup of seasoned collaborators, including Steve Wilson, Dave Pietro, and Donny McCaslin on reeds, and Greg Gisbert and Nadje Noordhuis on trumpets. The rhythm section will be anchored by Gary Versace on piano, Jay Anderson on bass, and Jonathan Blake on drums. Accordionist Julien Labro and guitarist Jeff Miles will also join the ensemble, promising an unforgettable evening of groundbreaking jazz.