Performance Information

The Jecheon International Music & Film Festival (JIMFF) shines a spotlight on legendary film music composers through the Jecheon Film Music Award and nurtures future film composers through its Film Music Academy. The festival also introduces active composers and performers through its concert programs. For its 20th edition, JIMFF presents a performance worthy of the milestone by inviting the living legend Ryo Yoshimata, a beloved film composer who has scored numerous films and dramas.

Ryo Yoshimata is a new-age musician and a master of Japanese drama soundtracks. Even if you don't know his name, you may recognize his memorable melodies from works like “The Whole Nine Yards” and “History.” His OSTs for films and dramas such as Between Calmness and Passion and A Million Stars Falling from the Sky have been hugely popular in Korea, continuing to move audiences with their lyrical beauty.

Yoshimata’s connection with Korea goes way back. In 1990, he served as music director for Cho Yong-pil’s concert 1990 Concert: Reunion in Memories. His work for Between Calmness and Passion (2003) led to six re-releases in Korea. He also composed the OSTs for Korean dramas such as Iljimae (2008) and The Legend of the Blue Sea (2016). His concerts at the Sejong Center in 2017 and the National Theater of Korea in 2022 were both great successes.

In 2024, Ryo Yoshimata: Talk Concert will be held at the Jecheon Arts Center. This piano trio performance, featuring violin and cello, will showcase many familiar pieces. The concert will also include a talk session where audiences can hear directly from Yoshimata about his passion for music and behind-the-scenes stories. Ryo Yoshimata: Talk Concert is set to be a high-quality performance that perfectly celebrates the 20th anniversary of JIMFF and delights film music fans.