It’s not every day that a young musician makes a name for themselves as an organist, but Sebastian Heindl (born 1997 in Gera, Germany) is doing just that. Trained at the Thomanerchor Leipzig and later at the Hochschule für Musik und Theater in Leipzig, Heindl has built a versatile career that goes well beyond traditional church music.
Now based in Berlin, Heindl has been the organist and music director at the Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedächtniskirche since 2023. There, he leads several initiatives — including an international summer organ series and a jazz festival — and collaborates regularly with top ensembles like the Berlin Philharmonic, the RIAS Kammerchor, and the Komische Oper.
In concert, he moves easily between early music and contemporary works, and his performances often feature improvisation, jazz, and even his own compositions. He has appeared at major venues across Europe and North America — from the Musikverein in Vienna to the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam and the Barbican Centre in London.
Heindl gained wider recognition after winning the Longwood Gardens International Organ Competition in the US in 2019. His performances have been featured by media like the BBC, Deutschlandfunk, and the Digital Concert Hall, and he remains active on YouTube and social media, where he shares videos that explore the organ from fresh perspectives.
For someone still in his twenties, Heindl’s résumé is already packed — but what stands out most is how naturally he connects with audiences, whether he’s playing Bach or jazz, in a cathedral or online.
Where to find Sebastian Heindl
Official website
Instagram
Facebook
YouTube
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