A leading figure in today’s jazz scene, the New York-based pianist Sullivan Fortner blends effortless charm with virtuosic skill, captivating audiences worldwide. In February 2025, he performed with his acclaimed trio as part of the »Jazz Piano« series in the Laeiszhalle Recital Hall. Before the concert, he made a special stop at Studio E for an intimate solo improvisation.
»Incomparable! Sullivan just blows me away every time I hear him.«
Brad Mehldau (jazz pianist)
The Artist
Creative and innovative, but firmly anchored in the great jazz tradition of his native New Orleans, Sullivan Fortner is one of the most important jazz pianists of our time. Born in 1986, he began playing the piano at the age of four and later earned a Master’s degree from the Manhattan School of Music, where he was taught by Jason Moran and Fred Hersch, among others. Over the years, he has been a member of trumpeter Ray Hargrove’s quintet and has collaborated with an impressive array of musicians, including Wynton Marsalis, Paul Simon, Dianne Reeves, John Scofield, and Ambrose Akinmusire. His collaborations with vocalists Cécile McLorin Salvant and Samara Joy have each been awarded a Grammy.
The location
Complementing the Grand Hall and Recital Hall, Studio E on the first floor of the Laeiszhalle is a charming and intimate performance space, featuring elegant stucco details, a light wooden floor, and natural daylight. With a capacity of 150, it regularly hosts smaller jazz performances and educational programmes.
Production:
Karola Parry Recording & Mixing
Philipp von der Dellen / Michael Menke Camera
Nils Kohstall Edit
Julian Conrad / Julika von Werder / Pauline Schüler Production Management
About the series
Artists record exclusive music videos at the Elbphilharmonie and the Laeiszhalle for Elbphilharmonie Sessions – sometimes in unusual locations offstage. Discover the concert halls from the inside. Discover what they sound like.
