About Franz

“Franz von Chossy is dancing on the edges of stylistic perfection”

- Süddeutsche Zeitung

Franz von Chossy (Munich, 1979), multiple award-winning pianist and composer, has established himself as a constant force in the Dutch and international music scene. Known for his boundary-pushing compositions and genre-crossing approach, he won the Dutch Jazz Competition with his trio for their “original, dynamic, and often virtuosic interplay” and received the “Best Soloist” award for his subtle, spacious, and personal playing. In 2009, he also took second place in the prestigious Montreux Jazz Solo Piano Competition.

Von Chossy’s four albums – Awakening (2006), Pendulum (2009), When the World Comes Home (2012), and Life Theater (2019) – have received international critical acclaim. Through extensive tours in Asia, he was honored there with the “Golden Magnolia” award at the 6th Shanghai International Art Festival in 2018 and the “Best Musical Act” award at the Guangzhou Art Fair in 2021. His performances span over 50 countries, and he is a driving force behind the cross-over project Arifa, which has been recognized multiple times as one of the best world music releases in the Netherlands.

He composed the Chinese musical Wendo and the Garbage Mountain on commission from the Guangzhou Ministry of Art and created music for the dance performance Colourful Clouds Chasing the Moon. Additionally, he arranged string quartets for various productions, including Solace of Time (2020) and Rabe (2024) by Aynur Doğan. He also composed and arranged for the Alma Quartet (string quartet of the Concertgebouw Orchestra) in collaboration with Arifa and Nana Adjoa, commissioned by Music Bowl Concertgebouw.

His collaborations with ensembles such as Dareyn and Aynur Doğan (WOMEX Artist of the Year 2021) have further established his reputation as a versatile and innovative composer. His music resonates with a wide audience, from jazz and world music enthusiasts to classical music lovers.

In addition to his performing career, he has held several prominent teaching positions, including Principal Jazz Piano Professor at Codarts, the Rotterdam Conservatory, and Xinghai Music Conservatory in Guangzhou, China. He has shared the stage with renowned artists such as Chris Potter, Branford Marsalis, Thomas Morgan, Dan Weiss, Philipe Catherine, Aynur Doğan, Alex Simu, Pascal Schumacher, Magic Malik, Markus Stockhausen, and Theodosii Spassov.

“Hauntingly beautiful.”

- Bruce Lindsay, Allaboutjazz.com

“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

“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

“The Franz von Chossy Quintet belongs to the most fascinating and entertaining bands of the Netherlands.”

- Volkskrant, Tim Sprangers

“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

“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

“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

“The foursome takes the listener on a breathtaking musical journey along the centuries-old trade route of the Danube. The Danube River has never been so colorful.”