Exploring the boundaries of jazz with pianist Ramona Horvath, the Romanian jazz ambassador on international stages

Ramona Horvath, a shining presence on the international jazz scene, is recognized not only for her virtuosity on the piano but also for her diversified and captivating musical approach. With a solid musical background and a career on the rise, Ramona Horvath is acknowledged as one of the most esteemed jazz pianists in France and beyond.

Born in Bucharest into a family of musicians, Ramona discovered her passion for the piano at a young age. With a Romanian mother and a Hungarian father, she was exposed to a variety of musical influences, from traditional to jazz and classical music. This diversity is distinctly reflected in her later artistic approach.

After obtaining a soloist diploma in classical piano at the National University of Music Bucharest, Ramona’s musical paths crossed with those of the celebrated American pianist of Hungarian origin, Jancy Korossy. This encounter was a pivotal moment that led to a change in Ramona’s musical trajectory, from classical to jazz. Her collaboration with Korossy culminated in an album released by „Electrecord” titled „Dor de Acasă” (2008), an exceptional project that was awarded as the „Best Jazz Album of the Year” in Romania in 2009.

Currently based in Paris, Ramona has become one of the emblematic figures of French jazz and is rising prominently on European stages. She has managed to build a solid reputation, performing concerts in prestigious European venues such as Sala Radio ORF and Bösendorfer Salon – Musikverein in Vienna, Placio Foz in Lisbon, Romanian Athenaeum and Sala Radio in Bucharest, Hungarian National Opera in Cluj-Napoca, Grand Théâtre d’Angers, as well as in the most renowned jazz clubs: Hot Club in Lisbon, Porgy & Bess in Vienna, Casa del Jazz in Rome, Sunset Sunside, Duc des Lombards in Paris, Jamboree Jazz Club in Barcelona.

Under the renowned label „Black&Blue,” Ramona has released three albums in various musical formats: trio, quartet, and duo. The album „Le Sucrier Velours,” recorded as a duo with French bassist Nicolas Rageau, was enthusiastically welcomed by the international press and contributed to consolidating her position as a top artist.

In 2010, Ramona Horvath made her mark on the vibrant Parisian jazz scene. Here, she formed her first trio with Guillaume Duvignau on bass and Frédéric Sicart on drums, with whom she began performing in jazz clubs in Paris. Then, the encounter with bassist Nicolas Rageau marked the beginning of a new collaboration and new musical projects, culminating in the recording of Ramona’s first leader album: „XS Bird” (2015), dedicated to the memory of her mentor, Jancy Korossy. This was followed by the albums „Lotus Blossom” (2017) in quartet, and „Le Sucrier Velours” (2019) in duo. In November 2023, Ramona released her fourth album „Carmen’s Karma” in a trio, with Nicolas Rageau on bass and Antoine Paganotti on drums.

Ramona Horvath has become a true ambassador of Romanian jazz in the European space. Through her exceptional performances, she has had the privilege of officially representing Romania in various European cultural events, receiving praise and appreciation from critics and audiences alike.

Alongside prominent figures of jazz, such as guitarist Saul Rubin (New York), saxophonists André Villeger (France), Tony Lakatos (Germany), Fulvio Albano (Italy), etc., and present in numerous festivals across Europe, Ramona Horvath is an active musician on the international jazz scene, being among the few (if not the only) Romanian jazz instrumentalists with an international career.

Ramona Horvath continues to offer her audience a captivating musical experience, being a prominent representative of jazz in the international context. Through her virtuosity and passion, she has managed to cross geographical boundaries, bringing Romanian jazz into the international spotlight.

With an eclectic journey that evolved from traditional classical piano to film music (Ramona composed and performed „live” music for the first time as a student for the film „Independenta Românie”, a film by G. Brezeanu). To daring jazz improvisations, Ramona Horvath continues to inspire and captivate audiences beyond geographical borders. With every note she plays, she brings to the forefront her passion and devotion to the art of piano and jazz, winning hearts and leaving a distinct mark on the contemporary music world.

For her talent and entire international musical activity, artist Ramona Horvath was nominated in the campaign of Romanian excellence abroad, „We support excellence!”, Edition 2023-2024, a cultural project launched on January 15, 2015, by Occidentul Românesc.

Excerpt published in monthly edition number 154, Year XIV, February 2024.