Mattias Nilsson möter Daniel Propper

Four hands and one piano. When classical pianist Daniel Propper meets jazz pianist Mattias Nilsson at the grand piano, a cross-border collaboration emerges where new music is born in the moment. The written music comes to life as improvisation and the inspiration of the moment take over. In this program, Daniel and Mattias draw inspiration from five master composers: George Gershwin (1898–1937), Edvard Grieg (1843–1907), Chiquinha Gonzaga (1847–1935), Lars Gullin (1928–1976), and Enrique Granados (1867–1916).

Mattias Nilsson is a pianist and composer who weaves together the Nordic musical language with influences from classical music, folk, and jazz. Through his improvisations and warm, personal touch, he creates a unique expression—a musical landscape that explores new tonal shades of Nordic melancholy but also light and hopefulness. His critically acclaimed solo debut Dreams of Belonging from 2016 represents the culmination of a long journey of discovering his own voice, combined with a deep love for Swedish music. The album was praised by both Swedish and international press and was followed by solo concerts in France, Sweden, and the UK. The Nordic journal Salt Peanuts wrote: "… some may try to place him among the Swedish pianists who followed in Jan Johansson's footsteps, but Nilsson is so much more than that."

Mattias has played with numerous international jazz stars, including Butch Miles, Janis Siegel, Sharón Clark, Benny Benack III, Sébastien Charlier, Mads Vinding, Bo Stief, Jesper Thilo, Svante Thuresson, Rigmor Gustafsson, and Peter Asplund.

He is part of a long tradition of innovative Swedish pianists, from the 1960s with Jan Johansson, Nils Lindberg, and Bengt Hallberg, to more recent names like Bobo Stenson, Esbjörn Svensson, Jan Lundgren, and Jacob Karlzon. "Whether the keys travel through Swedish folk tunes, classical music, pop, hymns, or jazz, he is brilliant and elegant, and above all, sensitive in both touch and phrasing" (Dan Backman – OrkesterJournalen).

In 2024, Mattias was awarded the Phontastic scholarship, "…for his musical breadth, personal expression, and boundless energy, paving the way for an international career independent of cultural grants. Mattias moves effortlessly between jazz, classical, and folk music, deeply rooted in tradition while remaining curious about new forms of expression. He is a vital cultural figure in Malmö's music scene and an outstanding representative of Phontastic’s music philosophy."

Daniel Propper has gained international recognition for his recordings of Grieg’s Lyric Pieces and Bach’s Goldberg Variations. Since 1994, he has been based in France, where he arrived as a scholarship recipient from the Royal Swedish Academy of Music. Daniel has performed as a soloist in many major cities and festivals in France, and has also played in London’s Wigmore Hall with Schubert’s last piano sonatas, at the November Festival in Moscow with the Goldberg Variations, and at the Grieg Museum in Norway. The European TV channel Mezzo has broadcast several programs featuring Daniel Propper, and his recordings are regularly presented on classical radio stations worldwide.

In addition to performing across Europe, Daniel Propper has appeared in North America and Asia, both as a soloist and chamber musician. He completed his studies with diplomas from the Royal College of Music in Stockholm, the Juilliard School in New York, and the Paris Conservatory. He began his education at the age of eight as a pupil of Professor Gunnar Hallhagen and, in the same year, became the youngest recipient of the Danderyd Cultural Scholarship. His further studies abroad included renowned pianists such as Andras Schiff and Tatiana Nikolaieva. In 1990, he was awarded the City of Salzburg Prize for his interpretation of the Goldberg Variations at the Summer Academy.

Daniel Propper has recorded over twenty CDs, including Bach’s Goldberg Variations and a large portion of Grieg’s piano music. He has also released solo albums dedicated to Gershwin and Berlioz (Feux et Tonnerres!), as well as chamber music and Lieder, including romantic works by Offenbach and more contemporary music from the 20th century to the present day.