Franz Von Chossy

Franz von Chossy was born in Munich, where he started playing the piano as a six-year-old. Through his mother he came to know classical music and his Ukrainian grandmother encouraged him to play folk music on the accordion. He won the “Dutch Jazz Competition 2006" with his Trio because of his 'original, dynamic and often virtuoso (inter)play'. Franz won the "Best Soloist" award during the same competition for his 'subtle, spatial and personal play'. In 2009, he won 2nd prize in the international Montreux Jazz solo Piano Competition. In 2011 he founded a Quintet with Alex Simu on clarinet, Jörg Brinkmann on cello, Jeffrey Bruinsma on violin and Yonga Sun on drums. He has released several albums under his own name, which were highly praised by the music press. Franz von Chossy has performed throughout Europe and the US as well as in Asia (China, India, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Turkey) and Africa (Tunisia, Morocco), Australia. With his superb talent for improvisation allowing him to switch between different styles without any effort, von Chossy is also a valued member of jazz combos such as the Pascal Schumacher Quartet and Arifa, touring the world with them. Every once in a while he also gives solo concerts on church organ.