Markus Stockhausen, born on May 2, 1957, in Cologne, Germany, is a celebrated trumpeter and composer known for his versatility across classical, jazz, and contemporary music. The son of avant-garde composer Karlheinz Stockhausen, Markus began his musical journey early, appearing in his father’s theatre piece Originale at the age of four. He received piano lessons at six and began playing the trumpet at twelve, eventually attending the music secondary school in Cologne.
From 1974, Markus studied at the Cologne Musikhochschule, focusing on classical trumpet with R. Platt and jazz trumpet with M. Schoof, graduating in 1982. His studies also included mentorships with renowned musicians such as P. Thibaud and C. Caruso. Markus made his jazz debut in 1974 at the Newcomer Jazz Festival in Frankfurt and his classical debut in 1976 in his father’s SIRIUS at the Washington Bicentennial. He collaborated extensively with his father, premiering trumpet parts in works like SIRIUS and THURSDAY from LIGHT, among others.
Markus Stockhausen’s connection to Eurythmics came through his contributions to their debut album In the Garden (1981). He played trumpet on the track “Your Time Will Come,” adding his brass expertise to the duo’s innovative sound. This collaboration highlighted his ability to adapt his classical training to experimental and pop contexts.
Beyond his work with Eurythmics, Markus has led various jazz ensembles, including Key, Kairos, and Aparis, and collaborated with artists such as Dhafer Youssef and Ferenc Snétberger. He has also composed film and theatre scores, created large-scale open-air spectacles, and premiered works like Peter Eötvös’s Jetstream for trumpet and orchestra. Markus increasingly performs his own intuitive music, often in churches, blending improvisation with contemporary influences.
Markus Stockhausen’s extensive discography includes releases with ECM, EMI Classics, and Stockhausen-Verlag. His achievements as a performer and composer continue to inspire audiences worldwide, solidifying his legacy as a versatile and innovative musician.
