"Wildly original, often chaotic, eclectic as all get-out, and quite a ride."
Aggressive yet introspective, a virtuosic pianist whose original compositions and improvisations demonstrate an unpredictable meld of musical styles. Instrumental pieces without words that tell deeply personal stories.
Influenced by Bach, Beethoven, Liszt, Bartók, Zappa, Rush, Miles Davis, Philip Glass, Steve Reich, metal, Tori Amos, ...
March 27, 2010: "There is a saying, Make every hour Earth Hour... [that is] partially why people like me are doing what we do."
- Frank Horvat on CBC's The National, Earth Hour segment featuring Frank Horvat, David Suzuki and Judi Vandenbrink
"Horvat is no con man. He's actually a thoughtful composer and player, an accomplished classical musician who has made a kind of tricky musical leap that allows him to pursue a niche of his own..."
- Tom Murray, Edmonton Journal READ ARTICLE
"It’s an eclectic mixture of various influences – everything from
Steve Reich to Billy Joel… I was most impressed by the haunting exoticism."
- Colin Eatock, Wholenote Magazine
Frank Horvat is an award-winning and critically acclaimed
composer and pianist. His original music is influenced by
the post-modern idea of eclecticism. His portfolio of compositions
demonstrates a variety of musical styles, even combined
within one work.
This is evident from his influences: From Bach to Beethoven to Bartók to Bjork, folk musics from around the world, jazz & blues, minimalism. His compositions have been based on real world themes such as social issues, family, athletic pursuits, September 11 and sometimes just a catchy little riff.
For Frank, creative new music does not have to be put on a pedestal and be art with a capital "A". Making an emotional and/or cerebral connection with an audience is paramount. That is why he feels strongly about performing his own works whenever possible. Solo piano recitals are intense, passionate, and engaging.
Frank has performed, directed, and arranged many styles of music
including Classical, Blues, Rock, Jazz and Pop in both solo and
ensemble/band efforts in Canada and abroad. He believes in presenting
live music in any manner: from the conventional to the unconventional,
from acoustic to electronic, etc. Released in June '07, his debut
recording, “I'll Be Good”, features thirteen original
compositions for solo piano performed by Frank himself. This was followed by a 28-stop concert tour including performances at NuitBlanche (Toronto) and The Works Art and Design Festival (Edmonton). Frank's followup CD, "A Little Dark Music", released on Earth Hour 2010 is inspired by environmental themes. A portion of the sale of this CD is being donated to WWF. From March 2010 to April 2011, Frank presented "The Green Keys Tour", a 60+ city concert tour across Canada and the US that showcased eco-friendly behaviour.
His portfolio consists of chamber, pop, electronic, musical theatre,
film, and large ensemble works. His work has been performed on
many occasions in a variety of live venues. His music has also
been featured on television networks like the CBC & Bravo and
a variety of radio stations internationally.
Born in Ottawa, Canada on April 5, 1974, Frank began his studies at the age of five. His childhood years included intense musical study in piano, theory, and composition - winning many awards and scholarships along the way. He holds an ARCT Diploma with Honours from the Royal Conservatory of Music. He also holds a Bachelor of Music Degree majoring in Composition from the Faculty of Music, University of Toronto where he studied composition with Walter Buczynski and Christos Hatzis and piano with Boyanna Toyich.
Now residing in Toronto with his wife, Frank is passionate about social issues related to poverty and the environment.
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