Kris Defoort is a major figure in the European jazz music scene. He already has a multi-faceted career of over 30 years behind him as player, improviser, pianist and composer of original, adventurous, contemporary and quirky music: jazz compositions and improvisations, piano pieces, string quartet, orchestral work up to and including opera, theatre and dance music. Kris Defoort consistently opts for a moving language that does not shrink from communicating with the listener. This internationally highly respected artist has its operas performed all over Europe and Japan. Since 1998, Kris Defoort is artist in residence with LOD for his entire opera & musical theatre repertoire. He performs as a pianist/improviser at numerous venues and festivals all over the world.