Sebastian Wappler – STILL HOPE

With "STILL HOPE," Dresden-based jazz pianist and keyboardist Sebastian Wappler presents his debut album in 2026. At its heart is the fusion of a groove-oriented jazz and fusion rhythm section with the string ensemble Lys. Driving beats, striking themes, and minimalist structures meet the orchestral richness of the string ensemble, creating a unique sound that blends jazz, classical, pop, and neo-classical music.

Wappler's musical language is characterized by stylistic openness and the fusion of diverse musical worlds. As a pianist and keyboardist, he moves within various ensembles and musical contexts – from jazz and fusion to pop, neo-soul, and R&B, all the way to hip-hop. Electronic sounds and synthesizers also play a significant role. In "STILL HOPE," he combines these influences with a clear compositional signature, creating space for improvisation, groove, and sonic depth.

The album serves as a musical bridge between different sonic worlds. The string ensemble expands the jazz context with orchestral timbres, while the rhythm section provides energy and movement. Acoustic instruments and electronic sounds, composed structures and improvisational freedom intertwine to create music that consciously blurs genre boundaries.

Sebastian Wappler studies jazz piano at the Carl Maria von Weber University of Music Dresden and has received instruction from Lorenz Kellhuber, Matthias Bätzel, and Michael Fuchs, among others. In addition to his work as a pianist and keyboardist, he is a composer, arranger, and musical director, and performs in various jazz and pop ensembles, ranging from duos to large groups.

With “STILL HOPE”, Wappler combines his experience as a pianist, keyboardist and composer in a personal debut project that blends jazz, orchestral timbres and modern production into a unique musical language.