About Franz

„A superb mix of musical genres ranging from modern classical music to jazz which at times surprises with a tiny note of Eastern European folklore.“

-Christoph Giese, Der Westen 03/2013-

„With him magic on the keyboard is pure alchemy and a mix of the most different sounds. He has proved in various jazz combos that he can subtly create a delicate balance between Orient and Occident, between jazz, classical music and pop and that he manages to let shine light and darkness.
And that is exactly what he is doing in a melodious and charming way in his second opus.“

-Henning Bolte, Jazzthetik-

„Without a doubt Franz von Chossy has succeeded in creating a coherent piece of music which clearly stands out from the usual crossover jazz.“

-Christoph Giese, der Westen 02/2013-

“A wonderful album by a great pianist.“

-Dr. Peter Kleiß, Saarlaendischer Rundfunk 2-

Franz von Chossy is a Munich-born pianist and composer who began playing piano at six, influenced by classical music through his mother and folk traditions from his Ukrainian grandmother. He studied Jazz Piano at the Amsterdam Conservatory and the Manhattan School of Music, where he also took film composition classes.

Franz gained recognition by winning the Dutch Jazz Competition in 2006 with his Trio, where he was awarded "Best Soloist" for his subtle and personal playing. He also secured 2nd prize at the Montreux Jazz Solo Piano Competition in 2009.

As an accomplished recording artist, he has released four albums under his own name: "Awakening" (2006), "Pendulum" (2009), "When the World Comes Home" (2012), and "Life Theater" (2019). His performances span over 50 countries at prestigious venues, and he is a key member of the cross-over project "Arifa", which has been recognized multiple times as one of the best world music releases in the Netherlands.

Franz’s accolades include the "Golden Magnolia" award at the 6th Shanghai International Art Festival in 2018, the "Best Performance in China" award at the Guangzhou Art Fair in 2021, and multiple awards for world-music releases, including "Secret Poetry" (2019) and "Danubian Voyage" (2022).

In addition to his performing career, he has held significant teaching roles, including Principal Jazz Piano Teacher at Codarts, Rotterdam Music Conservatory and Principal Jazz Piano Professor at Xinghai Music Conservatory in Guangzhou, China.

Franz shared the stage with the likes of Chris Potter, Branford Marsalis, Thomas Morgan, Dan Weiss, Philipe Catherine, Aynur Doghan, Alex Simu, Pascal Schumacher, Magic Malik, Theodosii Spassov.

"Franz von Chossy is dancing on the edges of stylistic perfection” (Süddeutsche Zeitung)

"A superb mix of musical genres ranging from modern classical music to jazz which at times surprises with a tiny note of Eastern European folklore.” (German Newspaper, Der Westen).

“Hauntingly beautiful” (Bruce Lindsay, Allaboutjazz.com)

“The Franz von Chossy Quintet belongs to the most fascinating and entertaining bands of the Netherlands." (Volkskrant, Tim Sprangers)

Franz collaborated with the likes of Chris Potter, Branford Marsalis, Thomas Morgan, Dan Weiss, Philipe Catherine, Aynur Doghan, Alex Simu, Pascal Schumacher, Magic Malik, Theodosii Spassov, Slobodan Trkulja.

„Von Chossy‘s jazzy, rhythmically vital manner of playing is compelling and he possesses an excellent technique. Another distinctive feature is that the musicians accompanying him can freely develop their individual style. (...).
Von Chossy fabricates melodious and harmonic snap shots, taking the listener on an almost meditative journey. A thrilling album of substance.‘

- Jazzpodium, 07/2012-

„Von Chossy borrows inspiration from modern melodious classical music, ranging from minimalism’s splitting of themes, chamber music’s compact violin sound to Grieg’s sadness in minor. The most important counterpoint to the by trend repetitive themes are three rhythmical outbursts by drummer Yonga Sun, thus creating structure and commentary and presenting an extraordinary and conclusive opus.“

-Jazzthing, 06/2012-

Press Reviews about "When the World Comes Home"

Allaboutjazz CD Review of "When the World Comes Home (US)

Rheinische Post Concert Review (DE)

Volkskrant CD Review of "When the World Comes Home" **** (NL)

Jazzism Interview/Feature about the Quintet (NL)

Jazzenzo Concert Review of "When the World Comes Home" **** (NL)
"Het Franz von Chossy Quintet behoort plotsklaps tot de boeiendste en leukste bands van Nederland."

Heaven CD Review of "When the World Comes Home" (NL)

Nadelunch.com Interview/ Feature (NL)

Kunstgids CD Review of "When the World Comes Home" (NL)

Draaiomjeoren Concert/ CD Review (NL)

Limburger Dagblad CD Review **** (NL)

Jazzthetik Interview/Feature about the Quintet (DE)
Jazz Podium CD Review of "When the World Comes Home" (DE)
Jazz Thing CD Review of "When the World Comes Home" (DE)
Leipziger Volkszeitung CD Review of "When the World Comes Home" (DE)
Concerto CD Review of "When the World Comes Home" **** (AT)
InMusic CD Review of "When the World Comes Home" **** (DE)
Westzeit CD Review of "When the World Comes Home" Home **** (DE)
Soultrain CD Review of "When the World Comes Home" (DE)
All my Music CD Review of "When the World Comes Home" (DE)
Skylife Interview Turkish Airlines Magazine (TR)

Interviews

by Marie Claire Melzer (dutch) Jazzism, September 2012, click to enlarge	by Klaus Huebner (german) Jazzthetik July 2012, click to enlarge
by Kees Helleman (dutch) Sena Performers, click to enlarge	by Angelique van Os (dutch) Jazz Winter 2010, click to enlarge
by Volkmar Joswig (german) Jazzpodium 12-2010, click to enlarge	by Tim Sprangers (dutch) Jazzinternational, march 2012,, click to enlarge