Markus Burger facts for kids

Markus Burger (born September 30, 1966) is a renowned German pianist, composer, music educator, and director of the Music Industry Studies program at Fullerton College. His specialty is blending classical music, jazz, and improvisational elements. Throughout his career, Burger has established himself as a leading contemporary music figure known for his technical mastery and creative vision.

Early Life and Education

Burger began playing the piano at the age of six. His formal education began in Hilversum, where he studied under Rob Madna and Tine Schneider. He continued his studies in Hamburg, learning from prominent figures such as Rainer Schnelle and Udo Dahmen. He further honed his craft at the prestigious Folkwang University of the Arts in Essen, Germany, where he studied under Peter Herborn, John Taylor, Simon Nabatov, and Uli Beckerhoff. Burger's education also included a scholarship to the Banff Centre in Alberta, Canada, where he worked with distinguished musicians like Kenny Wheeler, Kenny Werner, and Mick Goodrick.

Career and Achievements

Burger has enjoyed a prolific career as a soloist and collaborator, earning recognition for his innovative work in jazz, classical music, and beyond. In 2016, Challenge Records released a CD of his live concert with Kenny Wheeler, Norma Winstone, Stefan Lotterman, Jan von Klewitz, Felix Astor, and Martin Gjakonovski, showcasing his exceptional skill and versatility as a performer.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout his career, Markus Burger has garnered numerous accolades. In 1989, he won the Jazz Piano Competition in Rhineland-Palatinate, and in 1993, he was a finalist at the prestigious Martial Solal Competition in Paris. He was also a finalist at the Composers Competition in Monaco in 1997. In 2000, Burger received the Bach Prize from the City of Erfurt, and in 2020, he received the Culture Prize of his home county, Bernkastel-Wittlich.

Health Struggles and Artistic Growth

From 1999 to 2002, Burger faced a life-threatening illness, which profoundly impacted his artistic development. During this period, he recorded the solo piano album Ultreya, a highly personal and introspective work reflecting his struggles and triumphs.

Musical Projects and Collaborations

Burger founded several influential musical projects, including the trio Accidental Tourists, which was recorded for Challenge Records and the North Atlantic Jazz Alliance (NAJA). He also established the European Quartet Septer Bourbon, recorded for Jazzline Records. His longstanding collaboration with saxophonist Jan von Klewitz, under the name Spiritual Standards, has resulted in five album releases on Jazzline and Challenge Records, blending jazz with classical influences and spiritual themes.

Academic Career

In addition to his performance career, Markus Burger has significantly contributed to music education. He has been a full professor at Fullerton College, serving as the Music Industry Studies program director. Burger has also worked as an adjunct professor for music entrepreneurship, piano, and composition at San Diego State University (SDSU), where he has mentored and inspired the next generation of musicians.

Recent Work and Recognition

In a recent interview with Christoph Spendel for Tastenwelt, a German-language publication, Spendel praised Burger's playing on his latest release, The Vienna Session. He noted that Burger elevates the meditative style of Ludovico Einaudi, offering a more flexible and personal approach that resonates deeply with listeners.

Legacy and Influence

Markus Burger is considered one of the leading figures in contemporary jazz and an influential educator. His unique blend of genres and ability to bring new dimensions to classical and jazz music have earned him recognition as a highly respected musician in Germany and internationally. He is a member of the Bösendorfer family of Pianists since 2019.

Markus Burger

Awards:

Burger won the Jazz piano competition in Rhineland-Palate in 1989.

Burger was a finalist at the Martial Solal competition in Paris in 1993.

Burger was a finalist of the composers competition in Monaco in 1997.

Burger received the Bach Price of the City of Erfurt in 2000.

In 2020 he was awarded the Culture Price of his home county of Bernkastel-Wittlich.

During 1999–2002 he had a life threatening illness and recorded solo piano pieces for the album Ultreya. He is the founder of the trio Accidental Tourists, which has recorded for Challenge Records. He is the founder of the North Atlantic Jazz Alliance and the European Quartett Septer Bourbon, which recorded

Discography

• 1996 Fishing for Compliments Septer Bourbon
• 1999 Spiritual Standards with Jan von Klewitz
• 2000 Spiritual Standards [Secunda] with Jan von Klewitz
• 2001 The Smile of the Honeycakehorse Septer Bourbon
• 2002 Ultreya
• 2004 Markus Burger, John Tchicai & Matt Marucci- Genesis (Cadence Jazz Records)
• 2005 Inside.Outside with Jan von Klewitz
• 2006 NAJA North Atlantic Jazz Alliance
• 2007 Tertia with Jan von Klewitz
• 2007 Vesprae Ensemble Katharsis
• 2008 Quarta - Spiritual Standards from the New World with Jan von Klewitz
• 2012 Accidental Tourists: The L.A. Sessions – Markus Burger (piano), Joe LaBarbera (drums), Bob Magnusson (bass) – Challenge Records
• 2016 Accidental Tourists: The Banff Sessions - Markus Burger (piano), Kenny Wheeler (trumpet), Jan von Klewitz (saxophonist), Norma Winstone (vocals) – Challenge
• 2018 Spiritual Standards Quinta, Songs inspired by Martin Luther (Challenge Records)
• 2019 Accidental Tourists: The Alaska Sessions- Markus Burger (piano), Bob Magnusson (bass), Peter Erskine (drums) (Challenge Records)
• 2022 The Vienna Sessions, Markus Burger Solo (Challenge Records)