Micheal Abene

Michael Abene is a renowned pianist, composer and arranger. He has been the Chefdirigent (chief composer and arranger) of the WDR Big Band since 2003. Abene’s arrangements are performed by big bands and orchestras worldwide. His career takes him regularly across the globe, delighting audiences in concert performances; he has made arrangements for artists such as Randy Brecker, Paquito D’Rivera, Joe Lovano, John Scofield, Patti Austin, Mike Stern, Gary Burton, Dave Liebman, saxophonist Bill Evans, Kurt Elling, Eddie Daniels and Tom Harrell. After having taught for several years at the Manhattan School of Music, Michael Abene now holds the Chair of Jazz Ensemble Conductor at the KUG Jazz Institute in Graz, Austria.