Danny Koo The Cinema
A Violinist Who Weaves Stories, a Cinematic Stage by Danny Koo
Violinist Danny Koo, celebrated for moving effortlessly between classical and crossover repertoires, will appear at the 21st Jecheon International Music & Film Festival.
Renowned for his brilliant technique, refined artistry, and warm, genuine connection with audiences, he has earned the title “the violinist closest to the audience.”
Since his Korean debut with an Ensemble DITTO performance in 2016, Danny Koo has steadily expanded his musical spectrum, crossing genres from jazz and pop to world music. His appearance on JTBC’s Super Band 2 left a lasting impression, with critics praising his gift for conveying emotion to a wide audience. He also became the first classical artist to appear on MBC’s I Live Alone, sharing an honest glimpse into his daily life and forging an even closer bond with the public.
At this year’s JIMFF Special Choice stage, “Danny Koo’s The Cinema,” he will perform alongside his longtime musical partner, bandoneon player Sangji Koh, presenting beloved film scores newly arranged for this special occasion. The delicate resonance of the violin intertwines with the bandoneon’s rich, soulful tones, revealing the unique charm of Danny Koo’s music that transcends the boundaries of classical and popular genres. With his own gentle vocals woven into the performance, audiences will be immersed in a soundscape that is at once warm, nuanced, and deeply moving.
In Jecheon, where film and music meet at the tail end of summer, let the warm melodies of Danny Koo embrace you.
One of today's most dynamic classical artists, violinist Danny Koo captivates audiences worldwide with his passionate musicianship and adventurous, genre-defying projects. Seamlessly bridging the worlds of classical, jazz, and pop, he connects with the public on a deeply personal level.
His versatile career includes collaborations with the KBS Symphony Orchestra and the Korean National Symphony Orchestra, alongside celebrated performances at events like the Seoul Jazz Festival. He continues to explore his multifaceted artistry through solo albums such as HOME and CONNECTED, and even a vocal album, Danny Sings.
A true cultural phenomenon, he was the first classical artist to be featured on the hit MBC show I Live Alone, and his commitment to arts education was recognized with a commendation from the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism. This past July, he successfully held his highly anticipated first solo recital at the prestigious Seoul Arts Center, marking another milestone in his remarkable journey.
A celebrated bandoneonist and composer, Koh Sangji is a singular talent in the world of tango and beyond. Her musical journey began with a unique passion for animation and game soundtracks, which led her to study under the legendary Ryota Komatsu in Japan. She later immersed herself in the heart of the genre, studying at the renowned Orquesta Escuela de Tango Emilio Balcarce in Buenos Aires.
She has become a familiar face to the Korean public through engaging appearances on shows like TV Art Stage and Infinite Challenge, and is a regular fixture at major events like the Seoul Jazz Festival. Her diverse portfolio includes arrangements and performances for numerous films, dramas, and the globally acclaimed game Lies of P. As the music director for the stunning Kim Joo-won's Tango Ballet, she continues to prove her versatility and creative vision across a wide array of fields.
Choi Moon-seok is a versatile pianist, composer, and arranger known for his sophisticated musicality. A graduate of the respected Jazz Academy, he established his solo career with his 2015 debut album Geudaeyeo (My Dear) and the 2016 single Malhaejwo (Tell Me).
His extensive work as a composer and arranger has made him a sought-after collaborator for many of Korea's top artists. His credits include string arrangements for Kim Dong-ryul, stage arrangements for Lee Juck's MAMA performance, and compositions for Yoon Jong-shin and K-pop group Lovelyz's track First Snow. A dynamic live performer, he has toured as a session member and guest with Kim Dong-ryul and graced the stages of the Seoul Jazz Festival and Tokyo Tango Festival. He is also a long-time musical partner of bandoneonist Koh Sangji, sharing a powerful on-stage synergy.
Hailed as a 'Rising Star' by the prestigious Jazz People magazine, bassist Kim Yu-seong is a foundational talent in the Korean music scene. A graduate of the Seoul Institute of the Arts, his reliable and versatile playing has made him a first-call session musician for an incredible range of artists.
He has lent his solid grooves to the albums and concerts of pop duo Melomance, iconic singer-songwriter Kim Dong-ryul, and tango virtuoso Koh Sangji. As a core member of the Choi Baek-ho national tour band and the Dear Jazz Orchestra, Kim Yu-seong continues to be an in-demand bassist, valued for the impeccable foundation he brings to every stage.
Percussionist Jeon Woo-yeong, also known by his stage name Recto Luz, is a commanding force in the world of rhythm. His virtuosic skill is proven by a remarkable list of accolades, including the Grand Prize at both the Brazil Music Contest and the Jecheon International Music & Film Festival's 'Street Musician' Contest, as well as winning the 'Tadak Symphony' percussion audition.
A dynamic and sought-after performer, he is a regular at major music events, having taken the stage at the Jarasum International Jazz Festival, Seoul Jazz Festival, Seoul Drum Festival, and the Hong Kong International Reggae Ska Festival. In addition to his active performance schedule, he is committed to shaping future talent as a lecturer at the prestigious School of Traditional Arts at the Korea National University of Arts.
Seoul Office (04626) 202, Daemyung Building, 56, Pildong-ro 8ga-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
Jecheon Office (27171) 14-1, Uibyeong-daero 12-gil, Jecheon-si, Chungcheongbuk-do, Republic of Korea
