Michael Wollny (born 25 May 1978 in Schweinfurt) is a German jazz pianist, composer and professor at the Hochschule für Musik und Theater Leipzig, widely regarded as one of the most significant figures in contemporary European jazz. Signed to ACT Music since 2005, he has built an extensive discography spanning solo recordings, his long-running trio with drummer Eric Schaefer and bassist Tim Lefebvre, and collaborations with artists including Joachim Kühn, Émile Parisien and Vincent Peirani. His 2014 trio album Weltentraum was a landmark - the first jazz record by a German pianist to reach the German pop Top 50 - and the trio has since been called 'the most exciting piano trio in Europe' by The London Times.
The Michael Wollny Trio released 'Living Ghosts (Live)' on ACT Music on 28 February / 7 March 2025, a live double album recorded in spring 2024 with no set-list.
The Guardian's jazz critic described 'Living Ghosts' as 'rammed with surprises', and Marlbank awarded it four stars and a 'recommended' rating.
Wollny performed at the Queen Elizabeth Hall in London (16 Nov 2025) and at Café de la Danse in Paris (15 Nov 2025).
A concert at Kammgarn Kaiserslautern (Germany) is listed for 10 April 2026.
Wollny released the duo album 'DUO' with veteran pianist Joachim Kühn on ACT Music, a free-form piano dialogue uniting two generations of European jazz.
German pianist Michael Wollny performs at the Alte Oper Frankfurt, one of Europe's most prestigious concert halls.
Pianist Michael Wollny performs at Philharmonie Essen. A classical concert featuring a renowned artist.
German pianist Michael Wollny performs in Nuremberg. A classical concert at the Opernhaus.