Composer and arranger Hyeseon Hong, presently based in Seoul, Korea, writes many styles of music ranging from jazz and classical to pop and rock. She composes for a multiplicity of musical settings, including, among others, big band, vocal ensemble, small jazz group, chamber orchestra and funk/rock band.
During her 10 years of activity in the New York jazz scene she sharpened her musical skills by writing for a 5 horn original ensemble consisting of some of New York’s finest players including Travis Sullivan, Nick Mancini, Jeff Hermanson, Joe Abbatanouano and Bob Sabin.
After adding a sixth horn and writing more music the current incarnation of The Hyeseon Hong Ensemble was created. The group currently performs in both New York and Seoul. In 2005 the trumpeter Daren Barret joined the band to perform at the Korea Peace Festival, a large outdoor event held every summer near the border of North Korea. In 2007 the band made its first appearance at the famous jazz spot Small’s.
In 2005 Hyeseon also formed The Hyeseon Hong Choir, featuring 4 vocalists and a rhythm section. The band quickly began performing in all the best clubs in Seoul including All That Jazz, Club Evans, and Chunyundongando. The group recently appeared on the popular Korean TV station EBS, in a program entitled “EBS Space”. The group expects to release its debut recording in late 2007.
In 2003 Hyeseon composed and arranged for an original Korean theatrical production, entitled Musical: The Play , and brought members of her New York band to Seoul for a 3 month residency and performance. The music was recorded and released on Sony Korea.
While completing her Masters of Music at New York University, Hyeseon studied with Jim McNealy, Ed Newmeister, Maria Schneider, Mike Holliber, Michael Longo and Cliff Korman.
A big thanks to all my friends... I just went over 10,000 listens on my player. I've added a fifth tune to my player, an arrangement of Scott Henderson's "Harpoon", the leader and guitar player of Tribal Tech.
