Biography
Early years and musical fascination
Yannic Forster, born in Burgau, Germany, in 1998, had his first musical contact with the rock hits of the 70s and 80s, driven by his father’s musical taste. Yet, it was his grandmother playing Bach that ignited his fascination for the musical craftsmanship.
Formative years and school bands
During his high school years, Yannic started taking piano lessons and was quickly engaged in various school bands. At the age of 16, he participated with a solo piano performance at the Tastentagen ‘Gala junger Talente’ in Leipheim, Germany.
Jazz exploration and education
In 2018, Yannic took a significant step in his musical journey, becoming a certified music teacher at the Music College, in Regensburg. During that period, he took piano lessons with Walter Lang, who turned out to be an important teacher and mentor.
Bachelor’s studies and the Yannic Forster Trio
Completing his bachelor’s studies at the Conservatory in Utrecht, Netherlands, in 2023 marked a pivotal moment in Yannic’s education. At the conservatory, he took piano lessons with Bert van den Brink and Rembrandt Frerichs. Additionally, during his Erasmus exchange, he received lessons from Hubert Nuss at the HFMT Köln, Germany. Also The Yannic Forster Trio was born during that time and playing its first concerts in Utrecht..
Achievements
Noteworthy achievements include winning the Denise Jannah Award at the Grachtenfestival Jazz Competition. The resulting collaboration with jazz vocalist Denise Jannah led to a sold out performance at the prestigious Grachtenfestival in Amsterdam.
Debut EP: ‘From East to West’
In 2023, Yannic collaborated with Young Talent Award winner Bram van de Glind and the String Quartet Sonido to record his debut EP ‘From East to West’ showcasing his exploration of diverse influences – from the traditional Middle East to contemporary Western sounds.
Personal characteristics and creative influence
Yannic Forster’s music reflects his emotional disposition, connecting with listeners through personal stories. Influenced by daily life experiences, Yannic draws parallels between life and music. His compositions, dedicated to detail, take the audience on a journey filled with musical surprises.
Collaborative spirit and curiosity
Yannic’s collaborative spirit is evident in his organized yet creative approach. Taking charge of composition and arrangement, he values the unique contributions of fellow musicians. His curiosity leads him to explore unconventional sounds on the piano, constantly seeking new avenues of musical expression.
The Dutch National Musical Instruments Foundation
In 2024, Yannic received a Yamaha C3 grand piano from 1986 through the NMF. The piano has a beautifully balanced touch and a clear, warm tone, making it ideal for the wide range of musical styles he plays.
Future plans and album collaboration with Denise Jannah
Looking ahead, Yannic is excited about upcoming projects, including the UJazz Festival in Utrecht. Collaborative efforts continue as they work on an upcoming album release featuring Denise Jannah.
