Jonas Cho

Jonas Cho (also known as Jonas Schoen-Philbert) is a multifaceted saxophonist, composer, and arranger who has been described by Tom R. Schulz of North German Radio as "possibly the most intimate melodist to be found among German saxophonists." His musical journey bridges a vast spectrum, drawing inspiration from 80s punk to contemporary classical music, while maintaining jazz as the foundational core of his creative exploration. A graduate of the Hamburg University of Music and Drama under the tutelage of Herb Geller and Dieter Glawischnig, Schoen has toured extensively worldwide. Since 2003, he has served as a professor for saxophone and composition at the Hanover University of Music, Drama and Media. His discography and body of work are diverse, encompassing two big band albums, five quartet albums, and orchestral works, as well as classical solo and chamber music compositions. He is also recognized for his innovative adaptations and recompositions of works by Bartok, Prokofiev, and Beethoven. In 2000, he founded his own label, "schoener hören music." His current projects include the Jonas Schoen Quartet (featuring long-time collaborators and guests like Steve Swallow), The Berlin Quartet, the funk/soul-infused BOLD VISION, the Berlin Bricolage Ensemble, and the Small Things Ensemble. Beyond the traditional jazz sphere, he has gained visibility for his transcriptions and performances of pop culture themes, notably Giorno’s theme "Il vento d’oro" from JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure. His music is characterized by strong roots in soul, tango, and pop, resulting in a sound that is accessible yet deeply sophisticated.