"interweaving rich harmonics with stark tones, melding his sounds in slowly evolving interaction..."
- SquidCo
John Franek (b.1996) is a pianist and composer whose compositions “evoke an epic narrative.” (Sonograma Magazine)
John has had performances of his compositions throughout North America, South America, Europe and Asia, including notable premieres with the Sofia Philharmonic, Janáček Philharmonic Orchestra, Moravian Philharmonic, Pardubice Chamber Orchestra, St. Petersburg Improvisers Orchestra, KLK Contemporary Ensemble, the Brightwork Ensemble, the Lontano Ensemble, FAMA Quartet, Trio Immersio, Syntax Ensemble, laug.sonoris, Ensemble Terrible, Hub New Music, Unassisted Fold, Quartet Contemporaine, .abeceda and TACETi Ensemble.
His music has featured in the 2025 MicroFest Amsterdam, Saint Petersburg International Contemporary Music Festival, Grachtenfestival Amsterdam and International Computer Music Conference 2024. John’s music has also received airtime on Český Rozhlas, Polish Radio, Concertzender and WPRB Princeton.
John's albums are featured on the music labels Navona Records, Wandelweiser Recordings, Da Vinci Classics and Donemus Composer's Voice. John's works are published by Dutch music publishing house Donemus.
ASCAP Plus Award - 2022
Finalist - Chorus Austin Young Composer Competition - 2021
Finalist - Bruno Maderna Composition Competition - 2021
NJMTNA Commissioned Composer Competition Winner - 2020
Jacobs Music Steinway Award - 2018
Clifton Foundation Rising Young Artist Award - 2017