Gregor Ftičar

Photo: Saša Huzjak / SHtudio.eu

Biography

Gregor Ftičar

Pianist, arranger & composer

Gregor Ftičar <em>Photo: Saša Huzjak / SHtudio.eu</em>
Gregor Ftičar Photo: Saša Huzjak / SHtudio.eu

Born in Kranj, Slovenia, Gregor Ftičar is a pianist, composer, and arranger. He earned his Master's degree in Jazz Piano from the University of Music and Performing Arts in Graz, Austria, in 2011.

Throughout his career, Gregor has collaborated with esteemed international jazz artists, including Don Menza, Bob Brookmeyer, Boško Petrović, Howard Curtis, Derrick Gardner, Francis Mbappe, and Peter Herbolzheimer. His versatility has led him to perform in various ensembles—from duos and trios to quartets and a dynamic nine-piece band—as well as in big bands across Austria, Czechia, and Slovenia. Proficient in piano, keyboard, and organ, Gregor is also a dedicated composer and arranger.

Ftičar’s music is shaped by a lyrical sensibility, a love of swing, and a strong grounding in the American jazz tradition. At the same time, his playing reflects an awareness of his Slovenian roots and its rich musical heritage, which continue to inform his artistic voice.

His performances have graced jazz clubs and festivals throughout Europe, including Slovenia, Austria, Italy, France, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Germany, Serbia, Croatia, Slovakia, Czechia, and Hungary. He has contributed to numerous studio recordings, both as a sideman and a leader.

In 2014, Gregor's piano trio reached the finals of the European Jazz Competition in Rotterdam, organized by the European Broadcasting Union. That same year, he toured Czechia with the European Jazz Orchestra and co-founded the jazz sextet "Sharp 6." His debut solo album, "Gregor Ftičar: Solo," featuring original compositions and arrangements, was released in 2017.

He co-lead the "NorthEast" trio, based in Geneva, Switzerland, alongside drummer Paolo Orlandi and the late bassist Mátyás Szandai. Their self-titled debut album was released in December 2023. In 2023, the Gregor Ftičar Quintet - featuring alto saxophonist Jaka Kopač, tenor saxophonist Lenart Krečič, bassist Robert Jukič, and drummer Gašper Bertoncelj - had the honor of opening the AMR festival in Geneva. In 2024, he formed the Black Smoke Quartet, featuring vibraphonist Aleksander Sever, bassist Philipp Zarfl, and drummer Klemens Marktl. The group presents the Black Smoke Suite, a set of Gregor's original compositions. The ensemble has already recorded their debut album, which is scheduled for release by the end of this year. 

Gregor currently lives in Geneva, Switzerland, with his family.

News

Gregor Ftičar: North-East
Friday, 20 September 2024

Gregor Ftičar: North-East

"Tretje Uho" Radio Podcast, presented by Hugo Šekoranja

Broadcasted by ARS radio program @ Radio Slovenia (SLO)

Today s news! <em>Photo: Anne Fatout</em>
Today s news! Photo: Anne Fatout
Tuesday, 14 March 2023

Breaking Musical News!

Gregor Ftičar and his Quintet to open the 42nd AMR Jazz Festival!

Tribune de Genève newspaper

T.T. Institution in Cukrarna (SLO)
Thursday, 3 November 2022

T.T. Institution in Cukrarna (SLO)

Recorded live!!

Check out the exciting new album presentation concert by Tadej Tomšič, one of Slovenia's most electrifying voices in contemporary jazz!

The Music Of Gregor Ftičar
Tuesday, 15 February 2022

The Music Of Gregor Ftičar

"Samo muzika - Slovene Jazz" Live Radio Show, presented by Marko Kumer

Broadcasted by ARS radio program @ Radio Slovenia (SLO)

Covid-19 Reloaded
Monday, 24 January 2022

Covid-19 Reloaded

Here we go again: due to the stubbornly persistant Covid-19 pandemic situation, a number of cultural events are being cancelled or postponed. Nevertheless, we keep on going! Wishing all some healthy and serene winter months.

Massimo Pinca Trio LIVE
Saturday, 18 September 2021

Massimo Pinca Trio LIVE

"Le Kiosque à Musiques" Live Radio Show

Broadcasted by RTS (CH)

Pigs Love Pork - *She* Suite
Tuesday, 14 September 2021

Pigs Love Pork - *She* Suite

New Album out NOW!!

Available as online album

Tomaž Hostnik piano, keys Gregor Ftičar piano, keys Gregor Hrovat drums, percussion

G.R. Trio: Tris
Sunday, 22 August 2021

G.R. Trio: Tris

New Album out NOW!

Available on CD, coming soon on electronic media! Time to swing!!

Gregor Ftičar piano Goran Rukavina double bass, voice Žiga Kožar drums

NorthEast trio at the 39th AMR Jazz Festival! <em>Photo: AMR</em>
Photo: AMR
Monday, 27 January 2020

NorthEast trio at the 39th AMR Jazz Festival!

The NorthEast trio, co-led by pianist Gregor Ftičar (along with Paolo Orlandi), will have the honour to open the 39th AMR Jazz Festival in Geneva. Don't miss out!

Upcoming dates

Tue, 3 Feb 2026
Camila Piccininni Quartet
Le P'tit Music Hohl, Geneva (CH)

Camila Piccininni voice GF piano Pierre Balda double bass Nathat Triquet drums

Wed, 4 Feb 2026
Nina Strnad Jazz Band
Madlenianum, Belgrade (SRB)

Nina Strnad voice GF piano Tomaž Gajšt trumpet Jaka Kopač alto sax Robert Jukič double bass Kristijan Krajnčan drums

website
Fri, 6 Feb 2026
François Alghisi Quintet
Silverback, Geneva (CH)

François Alghisi drums Simone Trovato trumpet Luca Crusco tenor sax GF piano Dave O'Brian double bass

Sat, 7 Feb 2026
Easy Company with Guests
Salle Centrale de la Madeleine, Geneva (CH)

Jodie Wiggins voice Mauricio Salamanca tenor sax Sylvain Sangiorgio guitar GF piano Didier Metrailler drums

Tribute to Bond, James Bond

Sun, 15 Feb 2026
Jeff Baud Quartet
AMR, Geneva (CH)

Jeff Baud trumpet GF piano Pierre Balda double bass Antoine Brouze drums

Thu, 26 Feb 2026
Esrin Sossai Group
Zug (CH)

Esrin Sossai voice GF piano Tommy Fuller double bass Nolan Quinn trumpet

Fri, 13 Mar 2026
Anneke & Friends
Vertiges, Salève (FR)

Anneke Sleven voice GF piano Laurent Fabre trumpet Adrien Godet e-bass Michel Tschamper drums

Past dates

Discography

North-East

Gregor Ftičar * Paolo Orlandi * Mátyás Szandai

North-East

Paradise Bone <em>Photo: Vanessa Polia, Antonio Giordano Coronese</em>
Photo: Vanessa Polia, Antonio Giordano Coronese

Francesco d'Orso

Paradise Bone

The Gift <em>Photo: Brigit Pichler</em>
Photo: Brigit Pichler

Fiona Fergusson & Klemens Marktl Trio

The Gift

Lagamas

Hervé Jeanne & Gregor Ftičar

Lagamas

Skylark

Marjan Loborec & Lenart Krečič Sextet

Skylark

Solo

Gregor Ftičar

Solo

Photo gallery

With Francis Mbappe in ZOO, Ljubljana (SLO), 2015 <em>Photo: ZOO</em>
With Francis Mbappe in ZOO, Ljubljana (SLO), 2015 Photo: ZOO
Boris Čellar Trio: Boris Čellar (gtr), Robert Ragan (bs), 2011 <em>Photo: Boris Čellar</em>
Boris Čellar Trio: Boris Čellar (gtr), Robert Ragan (bs), 2011 Photo: Boris Čellar
With Boško Petrović in Lisinski Hall, Zagreb (HR), 2010 <em>Photo: Lisinski Hall</em>
With Boško Petrović in Lisinski Hall, Zagreb (HR), 2010 Photo: Lisinski Hall
Boško Petrović (vib), Ewald Oberleitner (bs), Howard Curtis (dr), 2009 <em>Photo: Maistria Rovinj-Vrsar</em>
Boško Petrović (vib), Ewald Oberleitner (bs), Howard Curtis (dr), 2009 Photo: Maistria Rovinj-Vrsar
With Howard Curtis (dr), 2009 <em>Photo: Maistria Rovinj-Vrsar</em>
With Howard Curtis (dr), 2009 Photo: Maistria Rovinj-Vrsar
With Miha Koren (bs) in New York, 2016 <em>Photo: Una Staade</em>
With Miha Koren (bs) in New York, 2016 Photo: Una Staade
Iva Stanič with Gregor Ftičar Trio, Ljubljana (SLO), 2014 <em>Photo: Janez Kotar</em>
Iva Stanič with Gregor Ftičar Trio, Ljubljana (SLO), 2014 Photo: Janez Kotar
With Irena Vidic (voc), 2016 <em>Photo: MMC RTV SLO</em>
With Irena Vidic (voc), 2016 Photo: MMC RTV SLO
With Klemens Marktl (dr), Stefan Pišta Bartuš (bs) a.k.a. Art Of Trio in Friesach (A), 2017 <em>Photo: Carmen Kassekert</em>
With Klemens Marktl (dr), Stefan Pišta Bartuš (bs) a.k.a. Art Of Trio in Friesach (A), 2017 Photo: Carmen Kassekert
G.F. Trio with Joe Abentung (bs), Benny Hrdina (dr) in Royal Garden Jazz Club, Graz (A), 2010 <em>Photo: Royal Garden Jazz Club (A)</em>
G.F. Trio with Joe Abentung (bs), Benny Hrdina (dr) in Royal Garden Jazz Club, Graz (A), 2010 Photo: Royal Garden Jazz Club (A)
With Nina Strnad (voc), Tomaž Gajšt (tp), 2019 <em>Photo: Novice.si</em>
With Nina Strnad (voc), Tomaž Gajšt (tp), 2019 Photo: Novice.si
Tadej Tomšič Institution Live / Tadej Tomšič (ts), Miha Koren (bs), Žiga Kožar (dr), 2018 <em>Photo: Igor Velše</em>
Tadej Tomšič Institution Live / Tadej Tomšič (ts), Miha Koren (bs), Žiga Kožar (dr), 2018 Photo: Igor Velše
Recording the "Solo" album, Studio 13, Radio Slovenia, 2016 <em>Photo: Hugo Šekoranja</em>
Recording the "Solo" album, Studio 13, Radio Slovenia, 2016 Photo: Hugo Šekoranja
With the Quinn brothers (Brian, Simon & Nolan) at Festival gorniškega filma, Kosovel Hall, Ljubljana, 2020 <em>Photo: Igor Kuster</em>
With the Quinn brothers (Brian, Simon & Nolan) at Festival gorniškega filma, Kosovel Hall, Ljubljana, 2020 Photo: Igor Kuster
With Artbeaters (Jan Gregorka, Anže Žurbi, Peter Ugrin) in Krško (SLO), 2014 <em>Photo: Peter s iPhone</em>
With Artbeaters (Jan Gregorka, Anže Žurbi, Peter Ugrin) in Krško (SLO), 2014 Photo: Peter s iPhone
With Marjan Loborec, Jaka Kopač, Miha Koren, Tomaž Gajšt, Lenart Krečič after Marjan s fourth album recording session, at Štala Recordings (SLO), 2016 <em>Photo: Rok Lopatič</em>
With Marjan Loborec, Jaka Kopač, Miha Koren, Tomaž Gajšt, Lenart Krečič after Marjan s fourth album recording session, at Štala Recordings (SLO), 2016 Photo: Rok Lopatič
NorthEast Trio (w/ Paolo Orlandi & Arne Huber) rehearsing in Basel (CH), 2019 <em>Photo: Gregor s phone</em>
NorthEast Trio (w/ Paolo Orlandi & Arne Huber) rehearsing in Basel (CH), 2019 Photo: Gregor s phone
Gregor Ftičar Trio (w/ Stefano Senni & Klemens Marktl), 2013 <em>Photo: Kamnican.si</em>
Gregor Ftičar Trio (w/ Stefano Senni & Klemens Marktl), 2013 Photo: Kamnican.si
Oktōēchoes (w/ Lenart Krečič, Ivar Roban Križić, Žan Tetičkovič, Jani Moder) in Ptuj (SI) 2019 <em>Photo: Gin and Jazz Festival, Ptuj</em>
Oktōēchoes (w/ Lenart Krečič, Ivar Roban Križić, Žan Tetičkovič, Jani Moder) in Ptuj (SI) 2019 Photo: Gin and Jazz Festival, Ptuj
Sharp 6 (w/ Lenart Krečič, Miha Koren, Tomaž Gajšt, Jaka Kopač, Janez Gabrič) in Novo Mesto (SLO), 2015 <em>Photo: Dolenjski list</em>
Sharp 6 (w/ Lenart Krečič, Miha Koren, Tomaž Gajšt, Jaka Kopač, Janez Gabrič) in Novo Mesto (SLO), 2015 Photo: Dolenjski list
Gregor Ftičar Trio @ Villars Vanguard, 2020 <em>Photo: Villars Vanguard</em>
Gregor Ftičar Trio @ Villars Vanguard, 2020 Photo: Villars Vanguard
Marjan Loborec Quintet / Marjan Loborec (dr), Dominik Krajnčan (tp), Jaka Kopač (as), Jan Gregorka (bs), 2018 <em>Photo: Nada Žgank</em>
Marjan Loborec Quintet / Marjan Loborec (dr), Dominik Krajnčan (tp), Jaka Kopač (as), Jan Gregorka (bs), 2018 Photo: Nada Žgank
Rehearsing with Peter Ugrin (violin), Ratko Divjak (drums), Ilj Pušnik (bass), 2018 <em>Photo: Peter Ugrin s phone</em>
Rehearsing with Peter Ugrin (violin), Ratko Divjak (drums), Ilj Pušnik (bass), 2018 Photo: Peter Ugrin s phone
Duo with Filipe Duarte (gtr),Berlin 2018 <em>Photo: Maria Christina</em>
Duo with Filipe Duarte (gtr),Berlin 2018 Photo: Maria Christina
With Aleksandra Čermelj (voc), Lenart Krečič (ts), Tomaž Gajšt (tp), Miha Koren (bs), Bruno Domiter (drs) in Radio Koper Capodistria, 2018 <em>Photo: Radio Koper</em>
With Aleksandra Čermelj (voc), Lenart Krečič (ts), Tomaž Gajšt (tp), Miha Koren (bs), Bruno Domiter (drs) in Radio Koper Capodistria, 2018 Photo: Radio Koper
With Vox Arsana vocal group, Solin (CRO), 2020 <em>Photo: Solinsko kulturno ljeto</em>
With Vox Arsana vocal group, Solin (CRO), 2020 Photo: Solinsko kulturno ljeto
With Lucia Lužinská (voc), Boris Čellár (gtr), Miro Popradi (ts), Juraj Griglak (bs), Ajdži Sabo (drs) in Pieštany (SK), 2012 <em>Photo: Pieštany Jazz Club "Dodo Šošoka"</em>
With Lucia Lužinská (voc), Boris Čellár (gtr), Miro Popradi (ts), Juraj Griglak (bs), Ajdži Sabo (drs) in Pieštany (SK), 2012 Photo: Pieštany Jazz Club "Dodo Šošoka"
Duo with Jaka Zaletelj (gtr), Kamnik (SLO), 2017 <em>Photo: Rotovž Kamnik</em>
Duo with Jaka Zaletelj (gtr), Kamnik (SLO), 2017 Photo: Rotovž Kamnik
With Lenart Krečič (ts) and his Parners In Crime, Ljubljana (SLO), 2019 <em>Photo: Jazz Paradise club</em>
With Lenart Krečič (ts) and his Parners In Crime, Ljubljana (SLO), 2019 Photo: Jazz Paradise club
With Gašper Bertoncelj (drs), Avichai Ornoy (fl), Nikola Matošić (bs), Doug Hammond (voc) in Ravne na Koroškem, SLO (2020) <em>Photo: Jazz Ravne</em>
With Gašper Bertoncelj (drs), Avichai Ornoy (fl), Nikola Matošić (bs), Doug Hammond (voc) in Ravne na Koroškem, SLO (2020) Photo: Jazz Ravne
Michael Erian (tenor sax), Hrvoje Kralj (bs), Klemens Marktl (dr) in Hill of Madjerka (HR), 2021 <em>Photo: Ratko Zjaca</em>
Michael Erian (tenor sax), Hrvoje Kralj (bs), Klemens Marktl (dr) in Hill of Madjerka (HR), 2021 Photo: Ratko Zjaca
Playing the Metallophone with Fanfare du Loup Orchestra, 2021 <em>Photo: Riccardo Willig</em>
Playing the Metallophone with Fanfare du Loup Orchestra, 2021 Photo: Riccardo Willig
With Fanfare du Loup Orchestra, Geneva (CH), 2021 <em>Photo: Riccardo Willig</em>
With Fanfare du Loup Orchestra, Geneva (CH), 2021 Photo: Riccardo Willig
With Lucienne Renaudin Vary (tp), Matyas Szandai (bs), Paolo Orlandi (drs), Geneva (CH), 2021 <em>Photo: Raphaelle Mueller</em>
With Lucienne Renaudin Vary (tp), Matyas Szandai (bs), Paolo Orlandi (drs), Geneva (CH), 2021 Photo: Raphaelle Mueller
"Best stage in the world"; with Héloïse Bay (voc), Hervé Jeanne (bs), Paolo Orlandi (drs) at Montenvers (FR), overlooking the stunning Mer de Glace glacier and the Grandes Jorasses peaks, 2020 <em>Photo: Guillaume Borga</em>
"Best stage in the world"; with Héloïse Bay (voc), Hervé Jeanne (bs), Paolo Orlandi (drs) at Montenvers (FR), overlooking the stunning Mer de Glace glacier and the Grandes Jorasses peaks, 2020 Photo: Guillaume Borga
With Vox Arsana (Mladen Delin, Ana Delin, Barbara Grabar, Samo Ivačič) in Štrigova (HR), 2021 <em>Photo: Sanja Herić</em>
With Vox Arsana (Mladen Delin, Ana Delin, Barbara Grabar, Samo Ivačič) in Štrigova (HR), 2021 Photo: Sanja Herić
@ BFM, Geneva (CH), 2021 <em>Photo: Raphaelle Mueller</em>
@ BFM, Geneva (CH), 2021 Photo: Raphaelle Mueller
At Café Tasse, Berlin (DE) with Filipe Duarte (gtr.), Simon Quinn (bs.) & Matthias Rupnig (drs.), 2018 <em>Photo: Rita Sales Ruiz</em>
At Café Tasse, Berlin (DE) with Filipe Duarte (gtr.), Simon Quinn (bs.) & Matthias Rupnig (drs.), 2018 Photo: Rita Sales Ruiz
Recording new solo material at the fabulous PianoRoom studio (SLO), 2019 <em>Photo: Mitja Petrovič</em>
Recording new solo material at the fabulous PianoRoom studio (SLO), 2019 Photo: Mitja Petrovič
2 Rhodes 2 Roads live recording session, 2021 (with Gregor Vidic sax, Thomas Florin rhd, Francesco Miccolis drs) <em>Photo: AMR Webcam</em>
2 Rhodes 2 Roads live recording session, 2021 (with Gregor Vidic sax, Thomas Florin rhd, Francesco Miccolis drs) Photo: AMR Webcam
Gregor Ftičar / Filipe Duarte Quartet in Donau 115, Berlin (2018) <em>Photo: Gregor Ftičar</em>
Gregor Ftičar / Filipe Duarte Quartet in Donau 115, Berlin (2018) Photo: Gregor Ftičar
MG Quartet (with Matyas Szandai -bass, Antoine Brouze -drums, Manu Gesseney -alto sax), 2022 <em>Photo: Nicolas Masson</em>
MG Quartet (with Matyas Szandai -bass, Antoine Brouze -drums, Manu Gesseney -alto sax), 2022 Photo: Nicolas Masson
Massimo Pinca Trio (w/ Massimo Pinca -bass, Paolo Orlandi -drums), 2022 <em>Photo: Jay Louvion</em>
Massimo Pinca Trio (w/ Massimo Pinca -bass, Paolo Orlandi -drums), 2022 Photo: Jay Louvion
Gregor Ftičar Quintet (w/Gašper Bertoncelj, Lenart Krečič, Jaka Kopač, Robert Jukič), Geneva 2023 <em>Photo: Nicolas Masson</em>
Gregor Ftičar Quintet (w/Gašper Bertoncelj, Lenart Krečič, Jaka Kopač, Robert Jukič), Geneva 2023 Photo: Nicolas Masson
Gregor Ftičar Quintet (w/Gašper Bertoncelj, Jaka Kopač, Robert Jukič, Lenart Krečič), Geneva 2023 <em>Photo: Nicolas Masson</em>
Gregor Ftičar Quintet (w/Gašper Bertoncelj, Jaka Kopač, Robert Jukič, Lenart Krečič), Geneva 2023 Photo: Nicolas Masson
Gregor Ftičar Trio (w/ Matyas Szandai & Paolo Orlandi), 2023 <em>Photo: Hugo Šekoranja</em>
Gregor Ftičar Trio (w/ Matyas Szandai & Paolo Orlandi), 2023 Photo: Hugo Šekoranja
Gregor Ftičar Trio (w/ Matyas Szandai & Paolo Orlandi), 2023 <em>Photo: Hugo Šekoranja</em>
Gregor Ftičar Trio (w/ Matyas Szandai & Paolo Orlandi), 2023 Photo: Hugo Šekoranja
With Nina Strnad (Cukrarna, SLO, april 2023) <em>Photo: Zlatko Silič</em>
With Nina Strnad (Cukrarna, SLO, april 2023) Photo: Zlatko Silič
With BigBand RTV Slovenia (2022) <em>Photo: Jože Požrl</em>
With BigBand RTV Slovenia (2022) Photo: Jože Požrl
With BigBand RTV Slovenia (2022 <em>Photo: Jani Kenda</em>
With BigBand RTV Slovenia (2022 Photo: Jani Kenda
With Nina Strnad Group (Cukrarna, SLO, april 2023) <em>Photo: Zlatko Silič</em>
With Nina Strnad Group (Cukrarna, SLO, april 2023) Photo: Zlatko Silič
With Benč, Alenka Godec, Nuška Drašček, Žiga Kožar, Erik Čebokli, Tadej Tomšič, Petra Vidmar (2022) <em>Photo: Jani Kenda</em>
With Benč, Alenka Godec, Nuška Drašček, Žiga Kožar, Erik Čebokli, Tadej Tomšič, Petra Vidmar (2022) Photo: Jani Kenda
GF Black Smoke Project, 2024 <em>Photo: GF</em>
GF Black Smoke Project, 2024 Photo: GF

Video gallery

Gregor Ftičar Trio - Something Strange

Gregor Ftičar piano Matyas Szandai double bass Paolo Orlandi drums

All videos

Music

Press kit

Download biographies and hi-res photos; please credit the author when using the photos.

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Contact

gregor.fticar@gmail.com

+41 78 237 11 74

Photo: Saša Huzjak / SHtudio.eu

Gregor Ftičar — Home page