Frank Horvat is a multi-genre composer who weaves stories through his melodies, harmonizing emotions and captivating audiences around the globe. Horvat has carved a niche for himself among today’s composers, wearing his fragile heart on his sleeve (CBC Classical). With an ability to transcend boundaries and connect deeply with the human spirit, his compositions take listeners on a journey through the depths of emotion, leaving a profound mark on our hearts and souls.
Frank Horvat is one of the most inventive songwriters to come out of the contemporary scene in Canada (WholeNote Magazine). He has made the tricky musical leap that allows him to pursue a niche of his own (Edmonton Journal). Within the vast array of his compositions, he explores different themes, ranging from the wondrousness of life and love, to the environment and mental health. In a fast-paced world, his music offers a sanctuary, inviting audiences to pause, reflect, and find solace. Each note reveals deeply personal stories while leaving room for listeners to ponder their own.
Frank’s music is featured on over twenty albums, showcasing his versatility and producing expertise across labels such as ATMA Classique, Azul Music, Centrediscs, Leaf Music, and Navona Records. His compositions have premiered on concert stages spanning five continents, resonating through theater, film, and the airwaves. From BBC Radio 3 to Bravo, CBC, CBS, Discovery, HBO, NBC, Netflix, and Vice, his music has woven its way into the fabric of our cultural consciousness. Gramophone, The Strad, BBC Music Magazine, and the Toronto Star have acclaimed his work, recognizing the profound impact of his artistry.
In 2021, Frank Horvat delivered a powerful testament with the album Music for Self-Isolation, hailed as one of CBC Classical’s Top Five Albums of the Year and Ludwig van’s “Year In Review: Classical Gems”. That same year, his album Project Dovetail garnered acclaim as a “must-hear” selection on CBC Music’s Fall lineup.
As an artivist, Frank Horvat uses his craft as a catalyst for change. Deeply moved by the injustices and conflicts that plague society, he is on a mission to inspire unity and empathy through his compositions. From poignant reflections on human resilience to passionate calls for social justice, his music serves as a resounding voice, igniting dialog and inspiring change. He ignores boundaries and isn’t afraid to mix politics with art (Ludwig van).
Frank Horvat’s environmental projects include an Arctic ice-themed sound installation featured at the 2024 Venice Biennale, his sustainably-minded 60+ stop North American Green Keys Tour, and his social media campaign #music4HRDs and accompanying album, For Those Who Died Trying. The resulting tributes are poignant (BBC Music Magazine). This music honours the stories of murdered environmental activists with dozens of string quartets participating in the resulting awareness campaign. Quartets such as Juilliard, Merel, Mivos, Utrecht, and Zemlinsky as well as members of orchestras like the London Symphony brought these tributes to life, amplifying their urgent message worldwide.
Frank Horvat’s mental health projects include his Piano Therapy Virtual Tour, and the acclaimed social media campaign and album Music for Self-Isolation, recorded at Roy Thomson Hall. Hailed as “a masterpiece of creative invention” (Vancouver Sun), BBC Radio 3 praised the album noting, “it takes a special skill to be able to create a whole atmosphere in a work that is just two minutes long”. The album reminds us that music is among the most mysterious and highest order of human skills (WholeNote Magazine). Over 150 soloists from around the world participated online and on the album. The album was CBC In Concert’s “Record of the Week”, described by CBC’s Paolo Pietropaolo as “truly a record of our times.”
Horvat has fearlessly ventured into uncharted territory, breaking away from traditional musical boundaries and embracing innovative styles. His compositions are a harmonious fusion of classical grandeur, improvisation, and contemporary influences, captivating listeners with their distinctive blend of audacity and vulnerability. Horvat’s artistry transcends the concert hall, reaching audiences across diverse mediums. His experimentation pushes the boundaries of music, encouraging listeners to experience the world through a new auditory lens.
Born in Ottawa, a graduate in composition from the University of Toronto, he lives by the lake in Toronto with his wife and manager, Lisa. Frank is an Associate Composer at the Canadian Music Centre, a member of the Canadian League of Composers, and the inaugural recipient of the Kathleen McMorrow Music Award for contemporary composition from the Ontario Arts Foundation. He has been invited to residencies around the world including The Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, The Arctic Circle Expedition, and Dorland Mountain Arts in California. His work has been supported by the Canada Council for the Arts, Ontario Arts Council, Toronto Arts Council, FACTOR, New Music USA and the SOCAN Foundation.
Frank Horvat has received commissions from celebrated artists and institutions including Christina Petrowska Quilico, David Jalbert, NUMUS, Protection International, Sinfonia Toronto, and the Vancouver Bach Choir.
Discover more about Frank’s inspiring sonic world at frankhorvat.com.