Lüneburg’s Matthis Wroblewski: From Cultural Award Winner to Rising Jazz Trombonist

Matthis Wroblewski, a 24-year-old trombonist from Lüneburg, Germany, is making waves in the jazz scene. Having received the cultural promotion award from the Lüneburg district in 2023, he is now studying at the Hamburg University of Music and Theater while actively performing with various bands, including occasional engagements with the NDR Big Band.

A Musical Family

Wroblewski’s passion for music was nurtured from a young age within a musically gifted family. His father, Benjamin, teaches at Leuphana University in Lüneburg and plays the piano. His brother, Jakob, plays the drums, a sister plays the saxophone, and another sister sings in musicals. Matthis chose the trombone and developed a particular fondness for jazz.

Early Recognition and Education

The young musician’s talent was recognized early on, culminating in the Lüneburg district’s cultural sponsorship award in 2023. The award acknowledged his contributions to the regional music scene. He began studying jazz trombone at the Hochschule für Musik und Theater in Hamburg in 2021 and recently completed his Bachelor of Arts degree. During his studies, he was a member of the Federal Jazz Orchestra for two years, with performances in Ecuador and Montenegro.

Balancing Studies and Performance

Wroblewski finances his studies, which he plans to continue with a Master’s degree, through regular performances. He plays with various bands two to three times a week and occasionally performs with the NDR Big Band. He often uses a second-hand trombone, a preference among jazz musicians who appreciate the craftsmanship of older instruments. He values the instrument, estimated at around 2,000 euros, and often keeps it in a secure instrument room at the university, though he prefers to have it nearby overnight.

Future Aspirations

While excelling in performance, Wroblewski is also considering a career in music education. His Bachelor’s thesis, titled “Improvisation in School,” explored teaching improvisation to tenth-grade students. He is also exploring a traineeship and views teaching as a potential secure base for the future. Despite his success, he remains open to different paths, stating, “I don’t know if I want to be a professional musician for the rest of my life.” He enjoys diverse interests, including running, baking, and cooking.

Influences and the Hamburg Jazz Scene

Wroblewski draws inspiration from jazz musicians like Nils Landgren and Keith Jarrett. He performs both covers and original compositions, sometimes incorporating the euphonium alongside the trombone. He finds Hamburg’s vibrant jazz club scene particularly appealing, noting the city’s attractiveness to orchestras and opportunities in musical theater. He also expressed his excitement about performing in the Elbphilharmonie, calling it a “special” and “awesome” venue.