Best of Budapest & Hungary

What happens when the freedom of jazz meets Korean musical traditions? On November 20, internationally acclaimed South Korean drummer and composer Suh Soojin will take the stage at Hangvilla in Veszprém with her Coloris Trio. The evening promises a remarkable musical journey, featuring three exceptional musicians who play together as though breathing in perfect unison.

    The classic combination of piano, double bass and drums takes on a whole new life in Suh Soojin’s hands. The Korean drummer and composer refuses to settle for conventional roles: in her trio, the drums tell stories, melodies unfold freely, and the musicians respond to even the subtlest nuances in one another’s playing. Audiences in Veszprém will have the opportunity to experience this distinctive musical world on November 20, at a concert jointly organized by the Korean Cultural Center and Hangvilla.

    One of the secrets behind the Suh Soojin Coloris Trio’s music lies in the concept of sum, or “breath,” rooted in traditional Korean music. In the interplay between pianist Kang Jaehun, double bassist Kim Hoo and Suh Soojin, carefully crafted compositions and spontaneous improvisation come together naturally. The result is sensitive, dynamic and unpredictable – precisely what makes their music so exciting to experience live.

    Award-Winning Korean Jazz That Has Captivated International Audiences

    The trio’s album Colorist won Best Jazz Performance at the 2021 Korean Music Awards, while New York Public Radio’s New Sounds also took notice of the group’s innovative sound. The trio has performed internationally, including at the EFG London Jazz Festival.

    Suh Soojin’s international recognition is further reflected in her appointment as the Korean Cultural Center’s Artist-in-Residence for 2026-2027. Through this two-year artistic collaboration, Hungarian audiences will have the opportunity to discover the musical world of one of South Korea’s most exciting jazz artists.

    The drummer is no stranger to Hungary: in 2022, she performed at Budapest’s Opus Jazz Club as a member of the Near East Quartet.

    Four Years, One Album, Countless Musical Stories

    The Veszprém concert will focus on the trio’s 2026 album, Prism of Existence. Recorded over four separate sessions spanning four years, the album explores the uncertainties of human existence, the changes we experience and the complexities of our inner lives.

    This distinctive musical project was also selected as one of Bandcamp’s Best Jazz releases in June 2026.

    The November 20 concert promises surprises both for longtime jazz enthusiasts and for those discovering the genre for the first time.