David Amram has been professionally active in the music business for a period extending over 60 years. He is above all known for his versatility as a musician, composer, jazz virtuoso and author. The 81-year old American has inspired many artists and, thanks to his talent, has similarly exerted a major influence on the music scene as well. He is particularly well-known on the French horn as a pioneer in jazz, which he has mastered no less than he has the piano, along with 35 other instruments. In 1977 he was part of the American-Cuban "Musician Exchange" in Havana, which generated attention by virtue of its politically explosive character.

Due to his countless stays overseas, the New York Times characterized him as a "one-man-folk-festival" as well as a cosmopolitan. His journeys as "U.S.Goodwill Ambassador of Jazz" in the 1970s took him to over 35 different countries. In each country he met with local musicians, studied their instruments and rhythms and integrated them into his musical compositions. He is especially well-known for his performances and recordings with musicians such as Bob Dylan, Patti Smith, Judy Collins, Steve Martin and Tito Puente.

He has composed a total of 100 chamber and orchestral pieces, two operas, as well as music for films (including "The Frontier Ghandi") and the Broadway theater. David Amram’s most recent orchestral works are "Giants of the Night", "Symphonic Variations on a Song by Woody Guthrie" and "Three Songs: A Concerto for Piano and Orchestra". In 2010, Amram commence work on new pieces as well as on writing a book, collaborating on a documentary film about his life entitled "David Amram: The First 80 Years" – to be screened in 2011/2012 at festivals across the USA.

David Amram will be appearing at the ZKM for the concert "David Amram & Guests: From Khyber Pass to Karlsruhe" on February 23, 2012.

Organization / Institution

ZKM