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'My piano wants to kill your mama'
- Frank Horvat
Aggressive and virtuosic pianist whose original compositions and improvisations demonstrate an unpredictable meld of musical styles. Groove-oriented, instrumental pieces without words that tell deeply personal stories.
Like Franz Liszt and Metallica in a cage match! Influenced by Bach, Beethoven, Liszt, Bartók, Zappa, Rush, Miles Davis, Philip Glass, Steve Reich, metal, Tori Amos, ...
Media Inquiries:
» contactme@frankhorvat.com
» Printable Press Kit (PDF)
» www.frankhorvat.com
» www.myspace.com/frankhorvat
» www.youtube.com/flhorvat
» View Frank Horvat's EPK
Purchase:
CD - I'll Be Good - buy CD
Scores - choose a score...
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"Horvat is no con man. He's actually a thoughtful composer and player, an accomplished classical musician who has made a kind of tricky musical leap that allows him to pursue a niche of his own..."
- Tom Murray, Edmonton Journal
READ ARTICLE
"Bordering on the improvisations of Keith Jarrett...this is a truly eclectic mix showcasing Horvat's wealth of technique and energy...I'm left shaking my head in wonder."
- David Olds, Wholenote Magazine
FULL REVIEW
"Wildly original, often chaotic, eclectic as all get-out, and quite a ride."
- Kathy Parsons, Solo Piano Publications
FULL REVIEW
"It’s an eclectic mixture of various influences – everything from
Steve Reich to Billy Joel… I was most impressed by the haunting exoticism."
- Colin Eatock, Wholenote Magazine
"One of the reasons I wanted to be a composer was to break down all these musical barriers..."
- The Mississauga News
READ ARTICLE
(view short bio)
"Muscular, musical, vigorous, memorable"
Frank Horvat is an award-winning and critically acclaimed
composer and pianist. His original music is influenced by
the post-modern idea of eclecticism. His portfolio of compositions
demonstrates a variety of musical styles, even combined
within one work.
This is evident from his influences: From Bach to Beethoven to Bartók to Bjork, folk musics from around the world, jazz & blues, minimalism. His compositions have been based on real world themes such as social issues, family, athletic pursuits, September 11 and sometimes just a catchy little riff.
For Frank, creative new music does not have to be put on a pedestal and be art with a capital "A". Making an emotional and/or cerebral connection with an audience is paramount. That is why he feels strongly about performing his own works whenever possible. Solo piano recitals are intense, passionate, and engaging.
Frank has performed, directed, and arranged many styles of music
including Classical, Blues, Rock, Jazz and Pop in both solo and
ensemble/band efforts in Canada and abroad. He believes in presenting
live music in any manner: from the conventional to the uncoventional,
from acoustic to electronic, etc. Released in June '07, his debut
recording, “I'll Be Good”, features thirteen original
compositions for solo piano performed by Frank himself.
His portfolio consists of chamber, pop, electronic, musical theatre,
film, and large ensemble works. His work has been performed on
many occasions in a variety of live venues. His music has also
been featured on television networks like the CBC & Bravo and
a variety of radio stations across North America.
Born in Ottawa, Canada on April 5, 1974, Frank began his studies at the age of five. His childhood years included intense musical study in piano, theory, and composition - winning many awards and scholarships along the way. He holds an ARCT Diploma with Honours from the Royal Conservatory of Music. He also holds a Bachelor of Music Degree majoring in Composition from the Faculty of Music, University of Toronto where he studied composition with Walter Buczynski and Christos Hatzis and piano with Boyanna Toyich.
Now residing in Toronto with his wife, Frank is also passionate about social issues related to poverty and the environment.
» Piano Monster Concerts in Toronto (Nathan Phillips Square)
and Rome City Centre, Italy.
» NXNE and Beaches Jazz Festival in Toronto.
» Gladstone Hotel shows incl. massive CD Release Party &
Bullfrog Power's B-Day bash.
» Alberta tour with Dr. Draw incl. shows at Calgary Stampede
& Edmonton Works Fest.
» Metro Toronto Zoo, Scarborough Philharmonic performing
Carnival of the Animals.
» Isabel Bader Theatre, World Wildlife Fund Canada's (WWF-Canada)
40th Anniversary.
» Many fundraisers, different venues like Heliconian Hall
& The Canadian Opera Company.
» TVO Telefest Award - 2nd Place, Experimental Film Category for "Piano Piece No. 2"
» Ben McPeek Scholarship - outstanding student in 3rd year composition
» Societa Dante Alighieri Scholarship - outstanding achievement in Accordion performance
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