Private link for presenters · Lee Jiyeun Jazz Orchestra

Korean Roots and Modern Soundscapes Reimagined for the Jazz Orchestra

The Lee Jiyeun Jazz Orchestra is a 25-piece ensemble led by pianist-composer Jiyeun Lee, transforming Korean folk songs and art songs into a new orchestral jazz language. Best Jazz Album — 15th Korean Music Awards. Touring programs and co-productions available for festivals, concert halls, and residencies.

Watch 3-min Showcase Programs & Formats Presenter Resources

Lee Jiyeun Jazz Orchestra — live on stage

Why Present L.J.O.

Unique Artistic Voice: Korean folk × orchestral jazz × improvisation — an unmistakable large-ensemble identity.
International Readiness: Modular 45–100′ formats, residency/education add-ons, and co-commission opportunities.
Critical Acclaim: Best Jazz Album (KMA); endorsed by leading jazz media and festival curators.

Quick Facts

Base & Scale: Seoul-based; 25-piece orchestra (flex 18–50) for festivals and concert halls.
Scalable Configurations: Full (25) or travel-light Options 1/2/3 — Artistic Director only, +8 core, or +3 core with local players.
Season Focus: Touring Asia · Europe · North America with priority routing windows 2026–27.
Leadership & Releases: Artistic Director Jiyeun Lee; albums 2012 · 2014 · 2017 · 2021.

Track Record & Partners

Institutional Support: Seoul & Gyeonggi Cultural Foundations; Arts Council Korea; Goyang Foundation.
Stages & Festivals: Jarasum, Pyeongchang, Ulsan, Asia Culture Center, National Gugak Center.
Broadcast & Museums: EBS Space Gonggam and collaborations with national cultural institutions.

Showcase Video (3 min)

Listen

Ensemble Options (Scalable Touring)

Full Orchestra (25) — The premier option: full instrumentation for 90–100′ programs (two sets or one continuous). Delivers the most complete sound and staging.
Option 1: Artistic Director Only — Jiyeun Lee (conductor/piano) collaborates with the local big band or orchestra. Scores and parts provided; requires 1–2 days of rehearsal. Format: guest conducting or piano/conducting combined.
Option 2: Artistic Director + 8 Core Players — Eight core musicians (rhythm section plus key winds/strings) join with local players. Ensures balance while reducing travel scale. Requires 1–2 days of rehearsal.
Option 3: Artistic Director + 3 Core Players — Small core (e.g., 2 winds/drums) augmented by local sections. The lightest touring configuration, suitable for 60–90′ programs.

All options support Residency & Education add-ons (open rehearsals, workshops, side-by-side projects).

Program Formats

Full Orchestra (90–100′): 25-piece; two sets or one continuous program.
Curated Suite (60′): themed program focused on Korean folk reimagined for jazz orchestra.
Jazz Big Band (45–60′): flex 18–20 players for festivals or shared bills.

Residency & Education

Composer talk & open rehearsal (90′)
Workshop: arranging Korean folk for jazz orchestra (students/professionals)
Side-by-side performance with local players (selected chairs)

Customizable residency formats available (youth workshops, university collaborations, professional masterclasses).

Program Examples

Korean Folk Reimagined: Arirang, Doraji, Ganggangsullae — newly orchestrated for jazz orchestra.
Nature & Environment Suite: works such as Blue Flower, From Winter Tree to Spring Tree.
Jazz & Poetry of Korea: lyrical settings for voice and orchestra (2025–26).

Co-commissioning available: presenting partners may receive premiere credit, naming rights, and shared ownership of new works.

Selected Stages

Jarasum Jazz Festival · EBS Space Gonggam
Pyeongchang Music Festival · Ulsan Jazz Festival
Asia Culture Center · National Museum of Korea · National Gugak Center

Awards & Discography

Best Jazz Album — 15th Korean Music Awards (Feather, Dream Drop).
Albums: Bright Green Almost White (2012) · This Place, Meaning, You (2014) · Feather, Dream Drop (2017) · Blue Flower (2021)

From the Artistic Director

“As a composer, my mission is to build a musical bridge between Korean sonority and contemporary jazz orchestration. Lee Jiyeun Jazz Orchestra seeks to embody both tradition and innovation — transforming the poetry of Korean heritage into modern symphonic jazz textures.”

Presenter Resources

Technical Snapshot

Instrumentation: 25-piece (conductor, piano, guitar, double bass, drums, 13 winds, 8 strings).
Stage Plot & Input List: detailed technical rider available upon request.
Backline Needs: concert grand piano, guitar and bass amplifiers, drum kit.
Option Notes: Opt1 guest conducting/keyboard with local big band (scores/parts provided); Opt2 +8 core with local augmentation; Opt3 trio/quartet core with local sections.
Rehearsal Minimum: Opt1–2 require 1–2 days (6–10 hrs) with local players; Opt3 requires 1 day (4–6 hrs).

Routing & Availability

Base: Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Touring Windows: Asia · Europe · North America (2026–27 focus).
Booking: advance hold recommended 4–6 months prior.
Presenter Provisions: Flights (per traveling artist), lodging (twin share or equivalent), local ground transport, and standard backline. Freight by negotiation (Full).

Contact & Downloads

Managing Director: Kings Hong — leeorchestra@naver.com

Base: Seoul, Republic of Korea · Available for international festivals, concert halls, residencies, and co-commission projects.

Press Photos — approved images for media use
Press Kit PDF — overview & program info
Technical Rider — stage plot & input list

Questions about Full vs. Options 1/2/3? We will recommend the best fit for your budget, venue, and season theme.