Please join us on Wednesday evening, November 19, at 5:30 pm in Grandballroom A, for our PAMLA Welcome Event. German-American jazz pianist and composer Uli Geissendoerfer has spent the past four decades performing, recording, and creating music across the globe. In this presentation, he offers a personal look at his journey from Munich to Las Vegas, sharing stories, reflections, and memorable encounters from a rich career that has included collaborations with influential artists of the 21st century, including Grammy-nominated William Cepeda, Groove Collective, Giovanni Hidalgo, Tito Puente, Blood, Sweat & Tears, Leslie Uggams, Ute Lemper, Kofo the Wonderman, David Cassidy, several symphony orchestras, the Connecticut Opera, and Cirque du Soleil. Through anecdotes and musical insights, Geissendoerfer invites the PAMLA audience into the world of a working jazz musician navigating the evolving landscape of contemporary performance. Whether onstage, in the studio, or in the classroom, Uli Geissendoerfer continues to bridge cultures through music, inspiring audiences and students alike with his expansive vision and dedication to the art of improvisation.
About Uli
Jazz pianist and composer Uli Geissendoerfer has spent the past four decades performing, recording, and creating music across the globe. In this presentation, he offers a personal look at his journey from Munich to Las Vegas, sharing stories, reflections, and memorable encounters from a rich career that has included collaborations with influential artists of the 21st century. Through anecdotes and musical insights, Geissendoerfer invites the PAMLA audience into the world of a working jazz musician navigating the evolving landscape of contemporary performance.
German-American pianist, composer, and educator Uli Geissendoerfer is a versatile and innovative musician whose work spans jazz, world music, and improvisation. Originally from Munich, Uli has built a dynamic career performing, recording, and collaborating with some of the most influential artists in contemporary music. His extensive credits include work with William Cepeda (Grammy-nominated), Groove Collective, Giovanni Hidalgo, Tito Puente, Blood, Sweat & Tears, Leslie Uggams, Ute Lemper, Kofo the Wonderman, David Cassidy, several symphony orchestras, the Connecticut Opera, and Cirque du Soleil.
Uli’s projects have always reflected his passion for cultural fusion and improvisational exploration. They include Colors, a world jazz quintet; The Beregovsky Project, a duo with award-winning klezmer violinist Alicia Svigals; and Bangalore Breakdown, an Indian world jazz collaboration featuring Premik Russell Tubbs. He and Tubbs also released a duo album, Passport to HappYness, in Fall 2024.
Since relocating to Las Vegas in 2009, Uli has played a pivotal role in the city’s musical life. He served as conductor, pianist, and bandleader for Cirque du Soleil’s Viva Elvis, and joined the faculty at UNLV, where he revitalized the Latin Jazz Ensemble, leading them to DownBeat Student Music Awards in 2013, 2014, and 2015. He also launched a popular lecture series, curated the Steinway Concert Series, and founded The Jazz Club at the Dispensary Lounge, named “Best of Las Vegas.” Now in its fourth year, the club has hosted top-tier talent including Wynton Marsalis, Brandon Fields, Rick Margitza, and Sam Most. In 2025, Uli was appointed Music Director of the Las Vegas Jazz Festival.
Whether onstage, in the studio, or in the classroom, Uli Geissendoerfer continues to bridge cultures through music, inspiring audiences and students alike with his expansive vision and dedication to the art of improvisation.