Born May 11, 1956,
pianist-composer Marc MATTHYS studied at the Royal Conservatory in Ghent, his home town. He graduated there in piano and chamber music, and a few first prizes in piano accompaniment, counterpoint and fugue.

Being laureate of the Van Roy piano contest (1976), Tenuto (1979), Europ jazz Contest (1979), and the jazz concours of Dunkerque (France, 1980), Marc MATTHYS is an established name in classical music as well as in jazz.

His main compositions, such as "Contrasts", "4 Impressions", "Reflections" and "Mosaic" for soloists and symphony orchestra can be counted as "fusion" of different styles like classical, jazz and pop music.

Next to his appointment as head of the Music Conservatory of Kortrijk (Belgium) and as jazz teacher at the Royal Music Conservatory of Ghent, he is a visiting professor at Bowling Green University (Ohio, USA). Marc MATTHYS has given concerts for various radio and television stations (RTBF, BRTN, VARA, NCRV, EBU) all over Europe and beyond.

He recorded 12 CDs, a.o. with the BRTN Philharmonic Orchestra, I Fiamminghi, the Harmony of the Guides, Trio Cucamonga and Big Band Sound.

Appearances a.o. with classical musicians like Walter BOEYKENS, Rudolf WERTHEN, Nobert NOZY, Gaby VAN RIET, jazzmen like SADI, Toots THIELEMANS, Ali RYERSON, Eddie DANIELS, Rob MADNA, pop stars such as Shirly BASSEY, Randy CRAWFORD.