Hungarian Music XChange: Balázs Horváth
A phenomenally talented young Hungarian pianist, Balázs Horváth won the prestigious Junior Prima Award in 2022. Coming from a dynasty of great Roma musicians, Balázs first learned the cimbalom (a traditional instrument resembling a hammer dulcimer) at the age of 5, then progressed to the piano, studying both jazz and classical. Now attending the world-famous Ferenc Liszt Academy of Music, he was a finalist at the Bob Ravenscourt International Jazz Piano Competition where out hundreds of entrants only six made it to the finals. And, he also received a special award as a member of the Salamon Tűzkő Quintet, and as a sideman played with the singer Noemi Nagy at the MÜPA Jazz Showcase. Balázs’ first album, “Reassurance”, was released this year and showcases his graceful, melodic approach, whether playing his own compositions or a favourite standard. He will be joined on the stand by the 2017 Dankworth Prize for Jazz Composition winner, saxophonist Matt Anderson, along with fellow Dankworth prize recipient & BBC Radio 3 New Generation Artist bassist Misha Mullov-Abbado & drummer Sophie Alloway (described as “the goddess of groove” by Jazz FM).
Presented in association with The Harmónia Műhely Alapítvány .