CYRUS VON HOCHSTETTER – PIANIST

Cyrus von Hochstetter (bio)

A multifaceted musician, Cyrus von Hochstetter honed his “unique musical voice” by mixing successfully his training as a jazz and classical pianist, with those of composer, singer, songwriter, bandleader, video and filmmaker. European-born, he won an award at the Young Lions Swiss Jazz Festival and was subsequently invited to perform at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 2004 and 2005. His 16mm films were honored with an award from the International Film Festival in Kundl, Austria. His persona as a multimedia artist was felicitously explored in a sold out multimedia video concert at Merkin Hall in 2009 with the “Ferdiko” piano duo. Cyrus von H. band “Orange Democracy” won the 2009 “Downbeat Award” for outstanding performance. The band mixed some of the finest musicians from different genres – jazz, opera, classical – resulting in a uniquely fresh style, and as such able to bring in a public welcome in its diversity. His performances at Moods Jazz Club and Theater Rigiblick in Zurich, Bimhuis in Amsterdam, Caramor Music Festival in Katonah, NY and his “Celebrity Apprentice” appearance with country star Clint Black on NBC proved his ability to attract an eclectic public, through personality, context and content. Cyrus von H specializes in solo piano and multimedia recitals, cultivating a repertoire that consists of original compositions, improvisation and extensive reinventions of familiar jazz and pop tunes. A graduate of Manhattan School of Music and Tisch School of the Arts Cyrus von H. studied jazz with Jason Moran, Fred Hersch and Garry Dial. Since 2009 Cyrus von H is pursuing classical piano studies with Zitta Zohar.