Nicolas Simion, prominent Romanian jazz saxophonist, dies

Renowned Romanian jazz saxophonist and composer Nicolas Simion has passed away shortly after performing a concert in Brașov. Born in 1959 in Dumbrăvița, Simion maintained a prolific career spanning over four decades.

Simion was a prominent figure in both Romanian and European jazz, known for his ability to blend jazz with Romanian musical traditions and folklore. His musical repertoire included the saxophone, bass clarinet, tarogato, and flute. He founded the group Opus 4 in the 1980s and later established himself in Western Europe, living in Vienna and Cologne.

Throughout his career, he collaborated with several international jazz luminaries, including Charlie Mariano, Archie Shepp, and Lee Konitz. His achievements earned him various accolades, such as the Theodor Körner Prize from the Austrian Ministry of Culture and the WDR Jazzpreis for improvisation. He will be buried in his native village of Dumbrăvița.