European Jazz Trio, consisting of bass player Frans van der Hoeven, left, pianist Marc van Roon, center, drummer Roy Dackus, will perform at the LG Arts Center in Seoul on Sep. 16. The group, known for their blend of jazz, classical and pop music, has positioned itself as one of the most loved artists in Korea since its first visit to the country in 2003. / Courtesy of Young & Ipsum

By Rachel Lee

The sweet, romantic melody of European jazz can be heard at a special concert at Seoul’s LG Arts Center at 6 p.m. on Sept. 16.

European Jazz Trio (EJT), known for their unique blend of jazz, classical and pop music, is returning to Korea after performing here last September.

They have a wide repertoire including tracks from film soundtracks. They have positioned themselves among the most-loved performers in Korea along with pianist Eugen Cicero, Keith Jarrett and Jacques Loussier since their first show here in 2003.

The group consists of three Dutchmen; pianist Marc van Roon, bass player Frans van der Hoeven, and drummer Roy Dackus.

They made their debut in 1984 with the studio album “Misty European Jazz Trio Debut.” Since then the trio has released more than 20 records, of which three of them — “Libertango” (1999), “Europa” (2000), and “Sonata” (2004) — won one of Japan’s highest music honors, the Swing Journal Gold Disc award.

EJT has collaborated with Japanese label M&I from 2000 and toured there annually.

Pianist van Roon, in particular, is also active as a solo act. The artist has composed for dance companies and produced a number of CDs including “A Journey that Matters,” an ensemble release with Dutch saxophonist Tineke Postma in 2007 and his first solo studio album “I Still See You” came out in 2011.

The jazz trio also took part in the album “Arirang, The Name of Korea,” which was produced by the Korean Traditional Performing Arts Foundation in 2010, along with other well-known musicians including George Winston, Inger Marie and Yuichi Watanabe.

During the 2010 FIFA World Cup, EJT produced their own version of popular Korean cheer song “Oh Pilseung Korea” to show support for the Korean national football team.

According to event organizer Young & Ipsum on Sunday, the trio’s playlist is to be determined on the day of the show.

Tickets for the concert range from 22,000 to 88,000 won. Discounts are offered for groups of 10 or more. For more information, call 1544-1555, 1588-7890 or (02) 2005-0114.