Time Out New York called him “an innovator,” the The Penguin Guide to Jazz “outstandingly gifted,” and pianist Alexander von Schlippenbach “our new trumpet genius.” Thomas Heberer, born 1965 in Schleswig, Germany, started playing the trumpet at age 11. From 1984 to 1987, he studied under Manfred Schoof at the Cologne University of Music. He has performed in 70 countries on 6 continents; was a lecturer at the the Frankfurt University of Music and Performing Arts (1993-97); and can be heard on approximately 150 recordings. Honors include receiving the prestigious SWR Jazzpreis in 1990, and being awarded the Down Beat Critics Poll as a member of the ICP Orchestra in 2002.

Before moving to New York City in 2008, the trumpeter served as a member of the regular band supporting German talk show host and entertainer Harald Schmidt for 12 years. Wim Wenders’ feature-length dance movie Pina, winner of the 2011 European Film Award, includes music Thomas contributed to Ten Chi, a choreography by Pina Bausch. Besides his ongoing work with the ICP Orchestra, Heberer maintains a busy performance and recording schedule with numerous New York City based ensembles, among them the Nu Band, Remedy and the Angelica Sanchez nonet.