Mathias Schmutzler

Mathias Schmutzler was born in 1960 in what was then Karl-Marx-Stadt (now Chemnitz). He initially took flute and piano lessons, while also learning to play the trumpet from his father. After graduating from school and completing an apprenticeship as an instrument maker, he studied trumpet as his main subject at the Carl Maria von Weber College of Music in Dresden.

After completing his studies, Mathias Schmutzler took up a position as principal trumpeter with the Dresden Philharmonic Orchestra. At the same time, he founded the brass ensemble Philharmonic Brass Dresden and conducted the Dresden Chamber Orchestra.
 

During the anniversary tour of the Sächsische Staatskapelle in 1999, which he accompanied as a guest trumpeter, he was appointed principal trumpeter by Giuseppe Sinopoli. He has held this position in the Staatskapelle Dresden ever since.

In addition to his orchestral activities, Mathias Schmutzler was a member of various chamber music associations in Dresden and Berlin. He also became artistic director of the SemperBrass ensemble. In 2003, he founded the Dresdner Trompeten Consort with the aim of preserving and reviving the long tradition of Saxon court clarinet playing.