Jazz giant Maria Schneider dreams of Seoul inspiration ahead of debut concert

Modern jazz big band luminary Maria Schneider is on the cusp of realizing a lifelong ambition as she prepares for her debut performance in Seoul. "This visit to Seoul feels like a dream come true," Schneider shared in a written interview with The Hankyoreh. She conveyed her profound joy in presenting her music and orchestra to Korean audiences, expressing a hope that attendees will be deeply moved by the musicians' exceptional talent.

Schneider and her orchestra are scheduled to perform at Lotte Concert Hall in Seoul on July 31st. The composer herself plans to arrive two days prior to immerse herself in the vibrant city. "I want to truly experience this magnificent city of Seoul," she stated, adding with a touch of anticipation, "Perhaps my next piece will be inspired by my visit to Seoul."

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This visit to Seoul feels like a dream come true.

Renowned as a composer, arranger, and conductor, Schneider has redefined contemporary jazz big band music since her 1994 debut with 'Evanescence.' She has built a distinctive orchestral sound, expanding the traditional grammar of big bands. Her illustrious career includes 14 Grammy nominations and 7 wins, making her a rare artist to receive accolades across jazz, classical, and pop genres. In 2019, she was honored with the Jazz Master award, the highest recognition in jazz bestowed by the National Endowment for the Arts.

The upcoming Seoul concert promises a comprehensive journey through Schneider's musical universe. "Since it's a one-time concert, I wanted to curate it like a 'tasting menu' offering a balanced taste of my entire discography," she explained. The program will include beloved pieces like 'Hang Gliding' and 'Choro Dançante,' alongside tracks from her later work 'Data Roses' such as 'Sputnik' and 'Bluebird,' the recently released 'American Crow,' and her personal favorite, 'The Thompson Fields.' Schneider described the selection as encompassing the full spectrum of her musical output.

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I want to truly experience this magnificent city of Seoul. Perhaps my next piece will be inspired by my visit to Seoul.

Her music is often described as "pictorial," and Schneider attributes the creation of such immersive soundscapes to her complete dedication to the composition process, delving deep into her inner world. "I'm not just looking for pleasant sounds; I want the music to capture the essence of my emotions," she explained. Her commitment to the big band format stems from the belief that it allows for a full range of expression, from overwhelming, swirling sounds to moments of delicate intimacy with just one or two musicians. She hopes the audience will experience both the transparency of a small ensemble and the immense power generated by 18 musicians.

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Since it's a one-time concert, I wanted to curate it like a 'tasting menu' offering a balanced taste of my entire discography.

Nature serves as a significant wellspring for Schneider's creativity. Images of birds, the sky, fields, and seasons are not mere subjects but reflections of her worldview. "I don't write songs by listening to other music. I write music as a response to life itself," she stated. Birdwatching and experiences in nature are key drivers of her composition. Simultaneously, Schneider harbors a strong critique of the digital age. In 'Data Roses,' she explored themes of tech giants, algorithms, smartphone addiction, and the erosion of human connection. Her new piece, 'American Crow,' criticizes a society where dialogue across differing opinions has ceased. "What's truly dangerous is a society that refuses to converse and gather together anymore," she asserted, deeming it a "very important song for this era."

Schneider's innovative approach extends to her album production. She pioneered fan-supported creation through platforms like ArtistShare, sharing her creative process and producing albums funded by her audience. Her album 'Concert in the Garden,' produced this way, became the first album to win a Grammy solely through online sales. For her Korean audience, she recommends 'Hang Gliding,' a piece inspired by a hang-gliding experience in Rio de Janeiro. "I want the audience to be completely lost in their own imagination while listening to the music," she said. "I hope this music resonates as a personal experience and connects with their own lives."

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I'm not just looking for pleasant sounds; I want the music to capture the essence of my emotions.