JazzKorea is an exceptional festival in many regards. While many festivals will claim to support cultural exchange and break up traditional boundaries, JazzKorea actually does. Already in its sixth years of existence it has established itself as an institution in Berlin and beyond, as a window to the vibrant Korean Jazz scene.

From 22th of November until the 1st of December four Korean Jazz Ensembles are invited to present their music, their heritage and their visions in Berlin, Hamburg, Stuttgart and beyond. These Ensembles have been chosen by the Bass player Martin Zenker and the Journalist Nabil Atassi. The goal of the Festival is to invite groups that represent different aspects of the South Korean Jazz Scene, from traditional Jazz to more Avant-garde experiments.

More than 50 ensembles applied for the chance to be part of this years edition of JazzKorea but ultimately the four picked each represent something unique. This year’s line-up includes:  Song Hachul, a quartet that stands in the tradition of the big American Jazz Ensembles, but playing “Originals”. Then there are Barim and Han Solip, who are combining a modern take on Jazz with traditional Korean Instruments and finally there is the Blumen Klang Quartet playing very much Avantgarde Jazz.

The variety of styles and of different approaches encapsulates a profile of what the Korean Jazz scene is about. While they use traditional Korean instruments and composition techniques they are well aware of Zeitgeist and can deliver both. And JazzKorea gives them the opportunity to showcase all their abilities throughout Germany and Europe as well. With concerts taking them to Istanbul and Rome to make JazzKorea a truly unique Festival.

WildKat PR are very excited of working with JazzKorea 2018