Jazz pianist Chin Sooyoung will present a special concert at the Budapest Music Center on September 22, 2025, featuring a unique collaboration of Korean and international artists. The event, organized by the Korean Cultural Center in Hungary, promises to showcase diverse musical genres and celebrate Korean cultural heritage through an innovative artistic presentation.
Chin Sooyoung, a prominent figure in Korea's contemporary jazz scene, brings impressive credentials to the performance. He earned his master's degree in composition from the City University of New York and has been serving as a resident artist at the Korean Cultural Center in Hungary from 2024 to 2025. His previous collaboration with Hungarian jazz musicians in 2024 captivated local audiences and established his reputation in the European jazz community.
The 2025 concert features an exceptional lineup of artists representing various artistic disciplines and musical genres. Lim Semi, an Austria-based choreographer and dancer who actively performs throughout Europe, will contribute her contemporary dance expertise to the evening's program. ROZU, who launched her career as an R&B and K-pop singer, will add her vocal talents to the diverse musical offerings.
The program also highlights traditional Korean music through the participation of Buen Hyun Jei, a distinguished geomungo player. After graduating from the National Gugak High School and studying the Korean zither at the Korean National University of Arts, Buen has built an impressive performance record both in Korea and internationally. The evening's artistic richness is further enhanced by Mango, a young solo singer known for her extraordinary recitations at prestigious venues including Matthias Church and St. Stephen's Basilica.
The concert is structured in two distinct parts, each offering audiences a different musical experience. The first part will feature Chin Sooyoung's standard jazz pianist repertoire, showcasing his technical skills and interpretive abilities in the contemporary jazz idiom. This segment will allow audiences to appreciate the sophisticated musicianship that has established Chin's reputation in the international jazz community.
The second part presents a more ambitious and culturally significant performance titled "The Regained Light," specifically created to honor the 80th anniversary of Korea's national independence restoration. This poetic drama-themed performance represents a unique fusion of music, poetry, and theatrical elements. Yi Yeongyeong has written both the lyrics and screenplay for this special segment, creating a narrative framework that complements the original music composed specifically for this commemorative occasion.
This collaborative approach demonstrates the Korean Cultural Center's commitment to promoting Korean culture through innovative artistic presentations that bridge traditional and contemporary expressions. The concert serves not only as entertainment but also as a cultural exchange that deepens understanding between Korean and Hungarian audiences while celebrating Korea's historical journey toward independence.
