Ferenc Snétberger is internationally recognized as one of the few unmistakable voices of the contemporary guitar. His style combines classical music and jazz with influences from Hungary's Roma tradition, flamenco techniques, samba rhythms and the music of J. S. Bach. His playing is a dialog between past and present.
He has interpreted works such as Luciano Berio's Sequenza XI for solo guitar as well as concertos by Vivaldi, Rodrigo and John McLaughlin. in 1995, on the 50th anniversary of the end of the Holocaust, he composed In Memory of My People, a concerto for guitar and orchestra.
The work, inspired by Roma melodies, is a passionate statement against human suffering - dedicated to his Sinti and Roma ancestors. It is both an anthem and a celebration.
Snétberger was awarded the Hungarian Order of Merit in 2012. This was followed by the Kossuth Prize (2014), the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany (2021) and the German Jazz Prize (2022).
He has released numerous albums as a leader, co-leader and guest musician. Concert tours have taken him through Europe, Japan, Korea, India and the USA. His latest album Hallgató, a collaboration with the Keller Quartet, was recorded live in the Great Hall of the Liszt Academy in Budapest. It is his third ECM album after the solo album In Concert and Titok, a trio album with Anders Jormin (bass) and Joey Baron (drums).
in 2011, he founded the Snétberger Musical Talent Center (www.snetbergercenter.org). The initiative supports musically talented children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
On the International Day of Roma Resistance, Snétberger will perform as a soloist - together with talents from his center: Máté Balogh (saxophone) and Flóra Bakonszegi (vocals).
The event is organized by the European Roma Institute for Arts and Culture (ERIAC): www.eriac.org