Grammy Record Holder: Jazz Maestro Maria Schneider Makes Her First Trip to South Korea

The founder of '3D Soundscapes' takes on giant platforms in Maria Schneider’s astonishing first visit to South Korea

A living legend who reshaped the map of contemporary jazz, composer and arranger Maria Schneider has confirmed a historic concert in her own name with her '19-piece original orchestra'. According to the event organizer Plus Hitch, the landmark performance will open in grand style on the 31st of next month at 7:30 p.m. at 'Lotte Concert Hall' in Seoul.

Born in 1960 in the U.S. state of Minnesota, Schneider was tapped as an assistant to jazz titans 'Gil Evans' and 'Bob Brookmeyer', solidifying the backbone of big-band composition. After launching the 'Maria Schneider Jazz Orchestra' in 1992, she boldly broke away from the conventional molds of existing big bands and led an innovative harmonic evolution.

The melodies she creates do not stop at being simple auditory play. The so-called '3D Soundscapes', which weave synesthetic landscapes and narratives into the listener’s mind, have drawn rave reviews from critics around the world. She controls a massive orchestra of nearly 18 to 20 members like a single living organism, and projects weighty philosophical reflections that run through nature, the environment, and humanity.

Her musical range shatters the boundaries of genre. She proved her unmistakable artistry by taking part at the core of work on the late icon 'David Bowie'’s final album 'Black Star', and by collaborating with pop heavyweight 'Sting'. The fact that she has captured the 'Grammy Awards'—the highest authority in the U.S. pop music world—an astounding seven times only reinforces that.

Above all, Schneider represents an 'independent artist' who takes a direct stand against today’s music distribution networks dominated by massive capital and platforms. In 2004, she founded 'ArtistShare', the world’s first crowdfunding platform, and pushed through a steadfast, independent production system that engages with fans directly. Most of her discography is kept entirely off mainstream streaming services, and is accessible only through her official website and ArtistShare. That scarcity is why her South Korea debut concert carries more value than just a live stage show.

This Seoul engagement will bring together top New York performers in large numbers—musicians who have shared the stage with Schneider for the past 20-plus years and fully embody her precise musical DNA. The wondrous ensemble forged from an uncompromising artistic resolve will finally set the tone for a night in Korea.