Sebastian Sternal

Sebastian Sternal (*1983) is a Professor of Jazz Piano at Hochschule für Musik Mainz where he heads the Department of Jazz and Popular Music, and also teaches jazz piano, composition and theory at Hochschule für Musik Köln. He has established himself as a leading figure in the European jazz scene through his innovative work as a performer, composer and educator.

Sternal's artistic focus encompasses jazz piano performance, composition across various ensemble formats from duo to symphonic jazz, and the integration of classical and jazz traditions. His work demonstrates sophisticated harmonic language, innovative arrangements, and a distinctive European approach to jazz that respects tradition while pushing boundaries forward. His research interests effectively translate to practical musical innovation in contemporary jazz performance and composition.

Sternal's discography reveals a progression from intimate trio work to ambitious symphonic jazz projects, demonstrating consistent artistic development and increasing compositional complexity. His work bridges European classical traditions with American jazz heritage, creating a distinctive voice in contemporary music.

• ECHO Jazz Award 2018
• ECHO Jazz Award 2016
• ECHO Jazz Award 2013
• German Record Critics' Award 2015
• Neuer Deutscher Jazzpreis 2014
• Concours piano jazz Martial Solal 2012 (Paris)
• WDR Jazz Prize 2007 (Cologne)

Sternal has mentored numerous young musicians through his teaching positions and workshops with the national youth jazz orchestra 'BuJazzO' and the Peter Herbolzheimer European Big Band Academy. His 'Jazz Campus Mainz' excellence project, founded in 2021 with support from the Gutenberg Research College, represents a significant institutional contribution to jazz education. He has collaborated with jazz greats including Dee Dee Bridgewater, David Binney, John Riley, Larry Grenadier, and Jonas Burgwinkel.

Sternal leads multiple ensembles including Sternal Grenadier Burgwinkel trio, Sternal Symphonic Society, and various duo projects. His work with the hr Bigband represents his most recent large-scale orchestral endeavor, continuing his exploration of the boundaries between jazz and classical music traditions.