Biography

Creative Background

Growing up in Germany, with a cello in his hands at the age of four, Kai has gone on to explore piano, drums, percussion, as well as acoustic guitar and singing. His influences from across different cultures, genres and creative practices have blended into his own unique sound.

Kai has performed with many orchestras and bands, including the Youth Symphony Orchestra St.Georgen – Furtwangen and the Youth Wind Ensemble Baden-Württemberg. His international tours have taken him to countries such as Slovenia, Slovakia, China, Brazil, Italy, Switzerland, England, and France. He has also performed on three album recordings and in a range of video productions.

Building on his 14 years at conservatoire in Germany, Kai went on to take a BA (Hons) in Music at the University of Sussex in the UK. This allowed him to explore composition for orchestra and sound design, as well as to develop his passion and sensitivity for the audio-visual. During his studies he was awarded the Sir Thomas Beecham Scholarship Award for skills as an outstanding instrumentalist, outstanding academic work and contribution to music in general. In 2022 he graduated with a first class degree alongside a prize for outstanding achievement.

Towards the end of his studies Kai has appreciated the growing relationship with the Worthing Philharmonic Orchestra. Musical Director Dominic Grier has since invited him to become Composer in Residence, a position Kai held between 2022-2024.

Alongside his artistic work Kai has also been working with xRhythms, a visual radio station for young people in the UK. He has produced a series of inspirational talks, as well as interviews with artists from England, Spain and the US. This partnership has also resulted in a discussion series. More recently, he released his own podcast show, “Music & Media” – a platform for conversations with composers, filmmakers and a variety of artists.

Kai’s aim is to champion unique expressions of music in combination with other forms of creative arts. Within that, he holds a particular interest in exploring modern composition for orchestra. But whatever the method of creative communication, people will always remain at the heart of his work.

Kai enjoys working with groups of musicians and other creatives of different levels of ability. His intention is always to inspire and uplift; to encourage people to look up and look forward.

To contact Kai, whether you are interested in collaborating, have questions about his work or want to find out more about his teaching practice, please visit the contact section of this web page.

Awards

5 stars & 2 awards at The Sussex Film Festival (2022) – “A Musical Journey – England” was awarded “best club film” as well as “best use of sound.”

1st class BA Music (Hons) with Prize for Outstanding Achievement (2022) – Completion of degree course.

Joint 1st prize at a film club (2022) – A recognition for “A Musical Journey – Switzerland” by SDFM (South Downs Film Makers) at an internal club competition.

Sir Thomas Beecham Scholarship Award (2019/20) – as cellist at university, recognizing “skill as an outstanding instrumentalist, outstanding academic work and contribution to music in general.”

Oberstufen-Musikauszeichnung (2016) – an award from the conservatoire at graduation.

3rd prize, Kulturpreis Schwarzwald Baar (2012) for contribution to culture in the Black Forest, Germany.

1st prize, Jugendmusiziert (2012) on regional, county, and national level in a percussion duo.