Jónás Gábor

Jónás Gábor was born in 1985 in Balassagyarmat into a family of musicians. Music has been a defining part of his life since childhood. He began his musical studies in 1993 at the Rózsavölgyi Márk Music School in Balassagyarmat, studying viola. In 1997, he was admitted to the Rajkó Orchestra in Budapest, where he had the opportunity to study and develop alongside renowned musicians and teachers.

One of the most influential figures in his musical career was Gyula Tomhan, known as “Tyutyu”, whom he regards not only as an outstanding musician and teacher but also as one of the most important musical and personal role models in his life.

As a young musician, Jónás performed in several well-known restaurants and hotels in Budapest, including the Trombitás Restaurant, the Margit Hotel, the Hotel Gellért and the Kulacs Restaurant. Playing alongside some of the finest musicians of the profession provided him with invaluable practical and performing experience.

At the age of 17, he formed a family ensemble in Balassagyarmat. His elder brother, cimbalom artist János Kardos, had a particularly profound influence on his musical development. In Jónás’s own words, he learned more from him than from anyone else, acquiring much of the musical knowledge and outlook that continue to shape his playing today. The family ensemble has performed extensively in Hungary and abroad.

In 2011, Jónás moved with his family to Canada, where he founded the Gipsy Night Trio. He plays guitar in the ensemble, whose repertoire includes dance music and jazz. His international career has also taken him aboard cruise ships, including a round-the-world voyage, and he has accepted numerous engagements both in Hungary and abroad.

In 2023, he joined the Pannon Cigányzenekar. As a violist in the orchestra, he brings decades of performing experience together with the musical heritage passed down to him by his family and mentors.

For Jónás Gábor, music is far more than a profession: it is a family heritage, a way of life and a passion. He has been an active musician for more than three decades and moves naturally between traditional Hungarian Gypsy music, dance music and jazz.