Matthias Höfs · trumpet

Biography

At the age of six, Matthias Höfs declared the trumpet to be “his instrument because it shines so beautifully.” He received his training from Prof. Peter Kallensee at the Hamburg University of Music and Theater and Prof. Konradin Groth at the Karajan Academy of the Berlin Philharmonic. At just 18 years of age, he became principal trumpeter of the Hamburg Philharmonic State Orchestra. He enjoyed the fascinating world of opera for 16 years.

At the same time, Höfs became a member of the GERMAN BRASS ensemble, with which he enjoyed worldwide success. Since the ensemble's first concert in 1985, he has been writing arrangements for himself and his colleagues that are innovative, sustainable, and inspire the brass world across genres.

With his musical pioneering spirit, Matthias Höfs continuously expands the horizons of his instrument – whether through close collaboration with composers who are inspired by his incomparable virtuosity and willingness to experiment, as an “ambassador of the trumpet” in his home state of Schleswig-Holstein, or through his long-standing cooperation with instrument makers Max and Heinrich Thein. Matthias Höfs also conveys his passion for his instrument to his students, whom he has been teaching with great dedication since 2000 as a professor at the University of Music and Theater.

In addition to his extensive concert activities as a soloist and chamber musician, Höfs has produced numerous solo CDs to date. With GERMAN BRASS, there are also more than 20 CD recordings.

In October 2016, GERMAN BRASS was awarded the German ECHO Klassik – one of the highest honors for national and international musicians.