TEREZA CATAROV

Tereza Catarov is a London-based singer, pianist, and composer whose music bridges contemporary jazz with traditional Balkan and Eastern European influences. Her work is deeply rooted in the multicultural heritage of her upbringing, blending Romanian and Bulgarian folk traditions with jazz. 

Tereza's musical journey began at the age of three, singing at folk festivals before studying classical piano from the age of five. Her formal education includes studies at the National University of Music in Bucharest, a first-class Bachelor’s degree in jazz singing from the Prince Claus Conservatory in Groningen, and a Master’s degree with distinction from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. Her debut album, Koren — meaning "root" in several Slavic languages—honours the voices of the women who shaped her early life, particularly her grandmothers and the broader community of elders from her childhood. It is a sonic archive of resilience, told through original compositions, reimagined folk melodies, and fragments of oral history.

At the heart of Koren lies the endangered Palkenski dialect, a linguistic relic from a Bulgarian community in Romania. Through her use of this rare language, Tereza captures both the fragility and strength of cultural memory. Each song becomes a living story—rich with polyphonic textures, haunting modal harmonies, and
improvisational interplay between the voice and instruments. For this project, Tereza assembled a stellar international ensemble: Yiorgos Bereris (piano), Cem Evin (guitar), Thodoris Ziarkas (double bass), and Billy
Pod (drums). Together, they create an intimate yet expansive soundscape—where traditional folk melodies meet contemporary improvisation, and ancient languages find new life.

Tereza has performed at prestigious festivals such as the EFG London Jazz Festival, Swingin’ Groningen, JazzX, and Jazz in the Park (winning first prize in 2018). She has graced iconic venues, including the Southbank Centre, Vortex Jazz Club, and Pizza Express Jazz Club Soho. Her music has garnered acclaim, with
features in London Jazz News, airplay on Jazz FM UK, One Jazz Radio and National Romanian Radio. 

With her evocative storytelling, expressive vocal style, and deep respect for tradition, Tereza Catarov continues to shape a unique musical voice that resonates across cultures.

https://www.terezacatarov.com/