Tony LAKATOS

Born into a musical family in Budapest, Hungary, Tony Lakatos grew up surrounded by melodies.

His father, a famous Gypsy violinist, and his younger brother Roby passed on to him the love of music.

He began violin at the age of 6, then turned to the saxophone at 15.

In 1977, he won a national jazz competition, thus launching his professional career. Graduating from the Jazz Department of the Béla Bartók Conservatory (1979), he moved to Germany in 1981 and quickly became one of the most respected saxophonists on the international scene.

From 1985 to 1996, he was a member of the group Pili-Pili led by Jasper Van’t Hof.

Based in Frankfurt am Main since 1993, he is soloist with the HR Big Band. His career includes more than 350 recordings on LP/CD, as a leader or sideman, and he has collaborated with world-renowned musicians such as Kirk Lightsey, Al Foster, George Mraz, and Randy Brecker.

His albums Recycling (1993) and The News (1994) ranked in the Top 10 of the Gavin Report in the United States, a first for a Hungarian musician.

An internationally recognized artist, he has performed all over the world: Europe, America, Asia, Africa, and regularly gives masterclasses at prestigious institutions (Royal Academy of Music London, Conservatories of Amsterdam, Vienna, Budapest, etc.).

In 2009, the recording of Porgy & Bess with the Frankfurt Radio Big Band won the Deutsche Schallplattenpreis.

Tony Lakatos continues his international tours, notably in Japan, and records under an exclusive contract with SKIP Records.