04.10.2024

THOMAS QUASTHOFF - Fifty years on stage

Thomas Quasthoff was only 14 years old when he appeared on stage as a professional singer for the first time: in the alto part of a cantata by Dietrich Buxtehude, performed by the choir of St Michael's Church in his home town of Hildesheim. Now, fifty years and an unrivalled international career later, he is celebrating this anniversary with a special project close to his heart at the Vienna Konzerthaus, the Cologne Philharmonie and the Festspielhaus Baden-Baden! When he ended his active career as a classical bass-baritone in 2012, Thomas Quasthoff by no means retired, but turned to his old passion, jazz singing, among other things. Even before beginning his actual classical career, he appeared primarily as a jazz singer. He is now returning to these roots - supported by outstanding instrumentalists from the current German jazz scene:

Dieter Ilg is characterised by his electrifying vitality, intelligent curiosity, technical brilliance and total dedication to the moment. Wolfgang Haffner is Germany's best-known drummer - with an unrivalled career that extends far beyond jazz. Simon Oslender is the youngest member of the band - once entering the scene as a ‘wunderkind on the Hammond organ’, the now 26-year-old is regarded as one of the ‘rising stars’ of the German music scene on piano, organ and keyboards.

The Swedish trombonist, Nils Landgren, who is characterised by his versatility and constant curiosity, and the exceptional saxophone talent, Jakob Manz, will join in the anniversary celebrations as guests.