Áron Horváth
CimbalomNominated by Müpa Budapest Wiener Konzerthaus Season 2025-2026
Photo © Posztós János
Áron Horváth began his musical journey at the age of seven by learning to play the cimbalom. Initially focusing on Hungarian folk music, he dedicated his first eight years of study to mastering this traditional genre. In 2016, he won the instrumental category of the prestigious TV folk talent show Fölszállott a Páva which marked a significant milestone in his early career. In 2019, Áron Horváth started to expanded his musical horizons by studying classical music and improvisation under the guidance of esteemed cimbalom player Miklós Lukács. This period of intensive study laid the groundwork for his artistic development, deepening his understanding of different musical styles.
A pivotal moment in Áron Horváth's career came in 2021, when he began collaborating with legendary Hungarian jazz saxophonist Mihály Dresch. This collaboration introduced him to the captivating world of jazz, a genre that has continued to fascinate and inspire him. In the same year, Áron Horváth made his recording debut on an album released by Sarjú Banda, a Hungarian folk music group. Following the album's release, the group embarked on a two-week tour in the United States, sharing their music with a wider audience.
In 2023, Áron Horváth was accepted into the prestigious Liszt Academy to further his studies in classical cimbalom. That same year, he became a member of two significant musical groups: Elán, a world music band that explores the folk music of Central and Eastern Europe, and Intergeese, a jazz trio focused on original compositions. Áron Horváth contributed to the release of Elán's debut album, Agile, and recorded the first album with Intergeese, which is scheduled for release in May 2024. Áron Horváth's work with Intergeese earned them the Jazz Showcase jury prize organized by MÜPA in 2024.
Currently, Áron Horváth is actively involved in four musical formations, including two jazz groups (Intergeese and Ephemere), one world music ensemble (Elán), and a folk music group (Sarjú Banda). In 2024, three albums featuring Áron Horváth's performances are set for release, including one by Mihály Dresch, where Áron Horváth will appear on two tracks (one of which will be on vinyl).
Looking to the future, Áron Horváth is passionate about bringing the cimbalom to a broader audience and exploring its potential in popular music, beyond its traditional use in classical, folk, and jazz genres. He is particularly interested in integrating electronics and effects into their performances and plan to design custom effects for the cimbalom with the help of collaborators. Áron Horváth is committed to ensuring the cimbalom is recognized as a versatile instrument on par with the piano and aims to continue innovating in this space over the next few years. He is also dedicated to advancing the development and preparation of the cimbalom itself.