Hector Martignon // Natalia Rose

Hector Martignon

The Colombian pianist and composer Hector Martignon, who has lived in New York for many years, is one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary jazz. His music moves effortlessly between different worlds: Jazz, European classical music, Latin American folklore and Afro-Cuban harmonies combine to create a multi-layered, open sound language.

Martignon has been nominated several times for the Grammy Award in the Latin Jazz category and worked for many years as a pianist, arranger and composer in Ray Barretto's sextet New World Spirit. In addition, collaborations with artists such as Paquito D'Rivera, Gato Barbieri, Tito Puente and Paul Simon have taken him to international stages. He is also present in film and theater - among other things with contributions to the film music of Eat Drink Man Woman (Ang Lee) and as musical director of Broadway productions.

In addition to his concert activities, Hector Martignon is intensively involved in musical education. He teaches jazz composition at the University of Music and Performing Arts Munich and teaches at Hofstra University in New York. With the Salsa Piano Book, he has also published a teaching book for pianists that is used worldwide.

Whether in a large orchestral setting or in an intimate solo and trio format, Martignon's music thrives on harmonic depth, rhythmic freedom and great tonal curiosity. His compositions and improvisations reflect a life characterized by cultural diversity, musical openness and a continuous search for new forms of expression.

Hector Martignon - Piano

Natalia Rose

The Natalia Rose Quartet is a contemporary ensemble led by Colombian guitarist and composer Natalia Rose. Their music moves between subtle jazz harmonies, melancholic timbres and traditional Colombian rhythms. The aim is to create inner images - musical portraits that interweave emotions, landscapes and memories.

The debut album Retratos de un Juego de Sombras (2017) was inspired by photographs by Colombian photographer Camila Malaver, which document the everyday life of the communities in Barranco de Loba (Bolívar, Colombia). Music and image enter into a silent dialog here. With the second album Impresiones (2021), the ensemble's sound intensified - darker, more powerful and even more personal.

In March 2025, the current album El Alma (The Souls) was released, which was expanded to include a string quartet for the first time. Rich in textures, colors and natural sounds, Natalia Rose paints a multi-layered musical picture of Colombia. Different stories, landscapes and experiences merge into a warm yet explosive soundscape.

Natalia Rose's compositional approach consciously draws on other art forms: Images, nature, moods and inner states are translated into music and invite the audience on an imaginative journey.

The quartet has performed at renowned festivals in Latin America, including Jazz al Parque and Barranquijazz, and has shared the stage with artists such as Ron Carter and Paquito D'Rivera. Since moving to Germany in 2022, Natalia Rose has toured Europe with her ensemble - from Germany to Spain, Belgium and Cyprus.

Omri Abramov - saxophone tenor and soprano
Natalia Rose - guitar and composition
Francesco Beccaro - bass
Marc Michel - drums