Nicolas Horvath began his music studies at the Académie de Musique Prince Rainier III de Monaco. At 16, he caught the attention of conductor Lawrence Foster, who helped him secure a three-year Princess Grace Foundation scholarship. His mentors include distinguished pianists like Bruno Leonardo Gelber, Gérard Frémy, and Liszt specialist Leslie Howard. He has received numerous awards, including First Prize at the Scriabin and Luigi Nono International Competitions.

Horvath rediscovered overlooked composers such as Moondog, Germaine Tailleferre, and Hélène de Montgeroult and commissioned works from over 120 composers, including his Homages to Philip Glass project. He has collaborated with contemporary composers like Terry Riley, Alvin Lucier, and Valentyn Silvestrov.

Noted for marathon performances, he played Philip Glass’s complete piano works at the Paris Philharmonie for 14,000 people and Erik Satie’s Vexations. In 2015, he premiered Glass’s 20 Etudes at Carnegie Hall and performed them with Glass himself at the Philharmonie de Paris in 2019.