Jens Peter Maintz

Jens Peter Maintz serves as Professor of Violoncello at Berlin University of the Arts (UdK Berlin) within the Faculty of Music's Institute for Artistic Training - Orchestral Instruments and Conducting since 2004, and concurrently teaches at Madrid's Escuela Superior de Musica Reina Sofia since 2017. An active principal cellist of the Lucerne Festival Orchestra since 2006, he maintains a prominent international performing career spanning solo, orchestral, and chamber music engagements.

His educational foundation includes studies with David Geringas and masterclasses under Heinrich Schiff, Boris Pergamenschikow, Frans Helmerson, and Siegfried Palm, complemented by intensive chamber music training with Uwe-Martin Haiberg and Walter Levin.

Maintz specializes in cello performance across core classical repertoire and contemporary works (from Isang Yun to Georg Friedrich Haas), with particular distinction in solo cello literature and concertos. His artistic approach integrates historical performance practice with modern interpretative techniques, evidenced by award-winning recordings of Bach, Dutilleux, Kodaly, and Haydn's cello concertos.

His major honors include:

• ECHO Klassik award for Bach/Dutilleux/Kodaly solo cello CD (Sony Classical)
• First Prize at ARD International Music Competition (1994, first cello award in 17 years)

As an educator, Maintz mentors a highly successful cello class where numerous students have won top prizes at international competitions and secured principal positions in major orchestras globally. His chamber music leadership extends through Spectrum Concerts Berlin and collaborations with artists including Janine Jansen, Boris Brovtsyn, and the Artemis/Carmina/Amaryllis Quartets.

Performing on the historic 'Ex-Servais' Giovanni Grancino cello (1697), he remains actively engaged in major festivals including Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival, Elbphilharmonie Hamburg, and international tours through 2022.