Pianist, composer and cultural producer Samuel Gapp is committed to a wide range of artistic activities within a contemporary musical language. Rooted in improvisation practice, his work explores the interactions among artistic fields, languages, traditions and contexts, thereby opening spaces for processes of transformation. It is shaped by a playful approach to complex dynamics and interrelations, and by the sensitisation and diversification of audiences, while collaboration, responsiveness and relationality act as guiding principles.
Frequently assuming roles in production, coordination and organisation, Gapp is a driving force in initiating and sustaining projects across diverse settings – from musical, interdisciplinary, site-specific and transcultural activities to community-oriented projects beyond “conventional“ artistic environments. At the same time, he leads and participates in ensembles as a pianist (often shaped by free improvisation and a jazz background), and composes written music for diverse formations such as orchestra, ensemble, or big band.
Mainly rooted between Germany and Portugal, Gapp is part of a vivid, hybrid international network.
Awards
Prémio MUSA (2022)
Prémio de Composição Francisco de Lacerda (2022)
Prémio de Composição Bernardo Sassetti (2019)
Prémio Jovens Músicos (2019)
Scholarships/Grants
Kunststiftung Baden-Württemberg (2026)
Culture Moves Europe (2026)
Stipendium #MusikerZukunft, Deutsche Orchesterstiftung (2025/2026)
Exportförderung Jazzverband Baden-Württemberg (2023, 2025, 2026)
Musicians worked with
Peter Evans, Michael Formanek, John O’Gallagher, Michael Schiefel, Rodrigo Amado, Albert Cirera, João Lencastre, Nicholas McNair, among others.
Institutions worked with
Goethe-Institut (DE), Arte TV (DE/FR), Musiker ohne Grenzen (DE/ECU), Orquestra Metropolitana de Lisboa (PT), Orquestra Jazz de Matosinhos (PT), Ensemble MPMP (PT), Universidade Lusíada (PT), Radio Antena 2 (PT), boa CRIAÇÃO (PT), Arte das Musas (PT), Kathmandu Jazz Conservatory (NPL), Abeceda Institute (SL), among others.
Academic Studies
Bachelor of Music (Jazz-Piano) – Hochschule für Musik und Tanz Köln (DE)
Master of Music (Composition) – Escola Superior de Música de Lisboa (PT)
Photos for download
[c] Luís Belo
[c] Jorge Carmona (1)
[c] Jorge Carmona (2)
[c] Inês Pizarro Correia (1)
[c] Inês Pizarro Correia (2)
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Photo by Filipe Faria/Rita Santos
SAMUEL GAPP 
