Born in 2000 in Ghent, Belgium, Elias D’hooge is a pianist, organist, composer and arranger whose work bridges tradition and innovation. Rooted in the language of jazz yet constantly reaching beyond stylistic boundaries, he has developed a musical voice that draws inspiration from the spirit of the past, the curiosity of the present, and the possibilities of the future.
Elias completed his Master’s Degree in Jazz Piano at the Royal Conservatory of Ghent in 2023. During his studies, he immersed himself in a vibrant community of musicians who would later become collaborators in many of his artistic projects. Guided by mentors including Erik Vermeulen, Bram De Looze, Christian Mendoza and Dirk Van der Linden, and further inspired through intensive workshops with Gerald Clayton, Aaron Parks, Shai Maestro and Fabian Almazan, he came to view jazz not as a destination but as a lifelong exploration of sound.
As a bandleader, Elias channels his artistic vision through the Elias D’hooge Trio, a piano trio dedicated to original compositions that blend lyrical storytelling, rhythmic depth and contemporary improvisation. The trio’s distinctive approach earned international recognition when it won the B-Jazz International Contest in 2023, following Elias’ receipt of the PlayRight+ Graduation Award earlier that same year.
Beyond his trio, Elias maintains an exceptionally diverse creative practice. He serves as pianist and arranger for Équi, a project inspired by the rich traditions of French jazz, and for Jules & Gents, where swing-era influences are brought into a contemporary context. As composer and keyboardist, he contributes to the electronic jazz landscapes of De Snoepfabriek and the energetic fusion explorations of Shikata Ga Nai. Through Stereo Stuff, he investigates the meeting point between jazz and classical music, continuing the legacy of third stream composition while seeking new forms of dialogue between genres.
His music has taken him to stages across Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Spain, Italy, Romania, Switzerland, Poland, Scotland and Finland. Notable performances include a private concert with Stereo Stuff during an official state visit attended by Swiss President Ignazio Cassis, the First Lady Paola Rodoni Cassis, King Filip and Queen Mathilde of Belgium.
Whether composing, arranging or improvising, Elias approaches music as a space for imagination and connection. His work is characterized by a strong melodic identity, a fascination with narrative, and an ongoing search for authenticity. Across every ensemble and collaboration, he strives to create music that is both deeply personal and open to discovery.
