Ross, Florian
Florian Ross is one of Germany's most versatile and innovative jazz musicians. With studies in jazz composition and piano in Cologne, London, and New York, he has been based in Cologne since 1992, where he works as a composer, pianist, and conductor for large jazz and crossover ensembles. As a pianist and Hammond organist, he regularly tours internationally and has released over 20 albums as a bandleader.
Known for his melodic richness and harmonic depth, Florian’s music seamlessly combines intricate, lyrical melodies with sophisticated rhythmic structures. His ability to balance improvisation with composition gives his work a unique dynamic, creating music that is both expressive and intellectually engaging. Florian is particularly skilled at bridging the gap between European and American jazz traditions, blending the improvisational energy of American jazz with the more composed and structured elements of European music, resulting in a sound that feels both innovative and rooted in tradition.
In addition to his performing career, Florian teaches composition and theory in the Master's program at the Hochschule für Musik und Tanz in Cologne. He has composed over 300 commissioned works for both German and international ensembles and is frequently invited as a guest conductor for German radio big bands. His contributions to the jazz world were recognized in 2024 when he received the German Jazz Prize for the second time, following his first win in 2021.
Florian's work as both a performer and educator, combined with his ability to innovate while respecting jazz's rich history, cements his position as a key figure in the contemporary jazz scene.
