Mathei Florea New Grounds feat. Gilad Hekselman (Estonia–USA–Germany–Poland–Ukraine)

The gifted Estonian pianist Mathei Florea and his Berlin-based ensemble, New Grounds, known for their Nordic contemporary jazz, come together for a special concert evening with world-renowned guitarist Gilad Hekselman. The legendary New York-based musician has collaborated with jazz greats such as Chris Potter, Eric Harland, and Tigran Hamasyan.

According to Mathei Florea, discovering Gilad Hekselman’s music and guitar playing was a true eureka moment for him. “Gilad’s musical style and taste perfectly align with my vision of how a guitar should sound. Back then, I didn’t even dare to dream that I would one day have the opportunity to collaborate with him. Now, ten years later, it’s finally happening!” the musician exclaims with excitement. “I plan to give Gilad the freedom to interpret my compositions exactly as he hears them. I am convinced that his presence will bring a new dimension to my music!”

Estonian jazz pianist Mathei Florea began his musical journey in childhood, first discovering classical piano and studying at the Tallinn Music High School. While continuing his education at the Georg Ots Music School, he was introduced to the exciting and innovative world of jazz, which opened up entirely new creative possibilities. Florea has studied under Kristjan Randalu at the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre and further refined his skills at Skurup Folk High School in Sweden. He also holds a bachelor’s degree from the Jazz Institute Berlin.

Gilad Hekselman is one of today’s leading jazz guitarists, performing worldwide with his ensemble and sharing the stage with some of the biggest names in jazz. With eleven critically acclaimed albums, Hekselman has developed a distinctive and richly textured musical style, evident both in his original compositions and his signature guitar sound.