Josef Gilgenreiner

Josef Gilgenreiner is a distinguished double bass performer and educator currently serving as a lecturer for double bass at Kalaidos University of Music in Zurich since 2014. He maintains prominent performance positions as solo bassist at Le Concert Olympique in Belgium (since 2015) and as deputy double bassist at Musikkollegium Winterthur (since 1996).

His educational background includes:

• 2021: Completion of instrumental double bass studies (part-time profile) at University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna (mdw); 2nd diploma with distinction
• 1996-1998: Postgraduate studies with Harald Friedrich at University of Music and Theatre Zurich/Winterthur
• 1991-1996: Double bass studies at University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna with Prof. Josef Niederhammer

Gilgenreiner specializes in classical double bass performance with expertise spanning solo repertoire, chamber music, and orchestral literature. His performance career demonstrates remarkable versatility across diverse musical settings, from major opera houses to chamber ensembles. He has developed particular expertise in German and Austrian classical traditions while maintaining an active interest in contemporary compositions for double bass.

As an educator, Gilgenreiner not only teaches at Kalaidos University but also regularly instructs students in Prof. Josef Niederhammer's class in Vienna and conducts double bass master classes at the Klassiktage Akademie in Bad Kohlgrub, Germany. He previously served as a lecturer for the European Union Youth Orchestra (EUYO).

Gilgenreiner has founded and serves as artistic director for the Klassiktage Ammergauer Alpen festival and was the initiator of the chamber music series Serenata Oberammergau. Through his publishing house, Gilgenreiner Verlag, he promotes new compositions and expands double bass repertoire.

His notable recording "Brahms & Hindemith – Sonatas for double bass and piano" (Austrian Gramophone, 2022) features Johannes Brahms' Sonata for Violoncello and Piano (arranged by Josef Niederhammer) and Paul Hindemith's Sonata for Double Bass and Piano, performed with pianist Matthias Gerstner. The magazine Stringendo praised his playing as "truly an uplifting experience to hear a world class double bassist perform a master work like the Brahms."