Marian Petrescu was born in Bucharest in 1970, and comes from a large family of musicians. He began to play the piano at the age of four and studied in the classical and jazz conservatory in Sweden, followed by the Sibelius Academy of Helsinki. With his background of solid classical training, dazzling technique and dynamic interpretation, Marian Petrescu then got passionately interested in jazz, and the adventurous world of improvisation.
He made his debut at the Pori Jazz festival at the young age of 15. Since then his career has been characterized by international success; in the Martial Solal Jazz piano competition (2nd prize in 1989) and Bucharest jazz festival (1st prize in 1992). Appearances include the Montreux, Paris, The Hague and Copenhagen, jazz festivals in Finland such as Pori, April Jazz, Baltic Jazz etc.
Marian has played with many stars; Arturo Sandoval, Toots Thielemans, Al Jarreau, Didier Lockwood, Jon Larsen, Richie Beirach, Tony Williams, Ulf Wakenius, Ray Charles band, Lars Danielsson, Riccardo Del Fra, Ron McClure, Hot Club de Norvege, etc.
Today Marian has his own music school, which provides both classical and jazz training, and teaches at the conservatory. Marian's style is eclectic, and he enjoys all styles of jazz, from ragtime to modern.
Marian loves the piano. He treats the piano as a friend, a sparring partner and mistress. His mentor in Paris, Martial Solal, calls Marian "the Horowitz of Jazz Piano" and his touch is distinct and clear as glass, obviously inspired by Oscar Peterson.
Said about Marian Petrescu:
- "You never know when you're going to meet up with someone as incredible as Marian Petrescu" - Joe la Barbera / U.S.A (Well-known jazz drummer who also played with Marian Grammy - award winning album)
- "the Horowitz of Jazz Piano" - Martial Solar Piano Jazz Competition (Paris/France)
- "Quite possibly the most amazing jazz pianist on the planet" - James Morrison /Australia (One of the world's best jazz trumpet virtuoso)
http://www.keyboardmag.com/artists/1236/marian-petrescu-the-next-great-jazz-virtuoso/28719