Francesco Pollon is an Award-winning pianist and composer whose dynamic artistry blends technical brilliance with deep musical sensitivity.
Described as a musician with a sophisticated touch and boundless creativity, Francesco has made a name for himself on the international jazz scene, performing at prestigious venues and festivals across Europe, the Middle East, and the United States. His unique style blends a strong taste for rich, colorful harmonies (synaestetically speaking), a grounded foundation in swing and continuous strive for enhanced lyricism in melodies.
A native of Treviso, Italy, Francesco’s musical journey began with classical guitar before he transitioned to the piano, initially as a self-taught musician. His passion led him to study at the Manhattan School of Music, the Conservatory of Vicenza, and the Music Academy of Kraków, where he graduated _summa cum laude_ under the mentorship of Phil Markowitz, Aaron Parks, Paolo Birro, and Piotr Wyleżoł.
Francesco has garnered numerous accolades in major jazz competitions, including first prizes at the Tomorrow’s Jazz Competition, Barga Jazz Competition, and the Stefano Cerri Competition for Jazz Ensembles, as well as the Best Instrumentalist Award at the Sibiu International Jazz Competition. His ability to seamlessly merge tradition with modern influences has made him a sought-after performer, sharing the stage with jazz greats such as Maria Schneider, John Surman, David Krakauer, Fabrizio Bosso, Cheryl Porter, Piotr Wyleżoł, and many more.
His career has taken him to legendary venues such as Carnegie Hall, as well as leading festivals including Umbria Jazz Winter, Vicenza Jazz, and Time in Jazz. At just 17, he was invited to perform at the Concert for Life and Peace in Bethlehem, an event broadcast worldwide on Italian National TV (Rai 3). In 2014, he had the extraordinary honor of performing a piano duet with jazz legend Chick Corea.
Francesco has been a key member of internationally renowned jazz orchestras, including the Maria Schneider Jazz Academy Orchestra, the Italian Conservatories’ National Jazz Orchestra, and the JM Jazz World Orchestra.
As a recording artist, he’s been part of nine published albums, as a leader or sideman. His debut solo piano album, “Catch Me“, released in 2020 under Velut Luna, showcases his expressive artistry and compositional depth, blending together groove, elements from middle-European romantic music, free improvisation, and deep research on touch refinement.
Beyond his work as a performer, Francesco is also a respected educator, helping students worldwide refine their skills in piano, improvisation, harmony, and music theory. His passion for teaching has inspired countless musicians to develop their own artistic voices (for lesson inquiries, please go to the contact tab).
With an ever-evolving musical vision, Francesco Pollon continues to push the boundaries of jazz, captivating audiences and inspiring the next generation of musicians.