Zvjezdan
Ružić

An acclaimed Croatian pianist, arranger, and composer whose music transcends genres and conventional boundaries. Born on June 21, 1988, in Rijeka, Croatia, Zvjezdan graduated in jazz piano from the Kärntner Landeskonservatorium in Klagenfurt, where he studied under the mentorship of professor Rob Bargad. He quickly gained recognition for his distinctive musical expression that merges elements of American jazz with traditional Croatian motifs.

While initially celebrated for his contributions to jazz with the Zvjezdan Ružić Sextet and his award-winning albums, Zvjezdan’s artistic journey took a transformative turn with the creation of Pianotron, a groundbreaking solo project that redefines the role of the pianist-composer in contemporary music. Pianotron is a visionary blend of classical piano, mellotron, electronics, and six kick pedals, creating a captivating and cinematic soundscape. Drawing inspiration from film music, classical textures, and subtle jazz influences, Pianotron embodies a new era of Ružić’s career — one that invites the listener into a world of emotional storytelling and atmospheric resonance.

With Pianotron, Zvjezdan moves away from traditional jazz improvisation, focusing instead on building evocative themes and ambient layers. His compositions evoke a profound sense of place, time, and narrative, akin to the works of Ennio Morricone or Hans Zimmer, making him one of the few artists to successfully bridge the gap between concert music and film scoring. This unique approach has attracted a diverse audience that deeply connects with his music on an emotional level.

Zvjezdan has collaborated with renowned artists and ensembles such as the 2Cellos, Harlem Gospel Choir, Josipa Lisac, Massimo Savić, and Vlatko Stefanovski, further establishing his versatility and innovative spirit. Zvjezdan has been honored with the prestigious Status Award six times for Best Pianist in Croatia, and his albums have garnered multiple prestigious Porin Awards (Croatian Grammy Awards), cementing his status as one of the country’s leading contemporary composers.

Whether composing in his studio or performing on international stages, Zvjezdan remains committed to exploring new musical territories. Pianotron is not just his latest project — it’s the culmination of a lifetime of artistic exploration and a bold step into the future of contemporary music.