On 27 November, the prestigious Bavarian Art Promotion Awards were once again presented at the Gärtnerplatztheater in Munich. Two alumnae of the HfM Würzburg were among this year's prize winners: Hannah Solveij Gramß (Bachelor Violin) and Jonas Sorgenfrei (Bachelor Jazz Drums with a teaching certificate in Jazz Singing). Both were honoured by Minister of State Markus Blume for their outstanding musical achievements.

Hannah Solveij Gramß first studied at PreCollege and then in the class of Prof Herwig Zack. During her studies, she also spent a semester at the 'Conservatoire nationale superieur de musique et danse' in Lyon with Prof Marianne Piketty and also attended masterclasses with Prof Ingolf Turban and Prof Roland Daugareil during her time in Würzburg.
Ms Gramß was and is part of numerous orchestras and is also in demand as a soloist (e.g. at the Würzburg Mozart Festival) and, in addition to her musical activities, is also active as a presenter, dancer, video artist, speaker and actress. The jury describes her as "[...] the type of young artist who markets herself imaginatively and skilfully uses her multi-talent while maintaining the highest level of professionalism on her instrument"

Jonas Sorgenfrei completed his bachelor's degree in jazz drums at the HfM Würzburg before moving to the HfM Nuremberg for his master's degree in jazz drums. The jury described Mr Sorgenfrei as a busy, creative and energetic musician and had the following to say: "He [...] impresses with his extraordinary artistic development in a very short time, the combination of his outstanding technique with great musical talent and his determination to lead his own bands and take them 'on the road' throughout Germany. He is a very alert and in-the-moment instrumental virtuoso who not only plays multi-faceted grooves, but is also very melodic and chamber music-like [...] and it will be interesting to see what we will hear from this talented musician in the coming years."
In addition to numerous releases, Mr Sorgenfrei also plays on international stages, clubs and festivals and has been honoured with several prestigious music awards.

Every year since 1965, the Free State of Bavaria has awarded art prizes in the four categories of "Music", "Visual Arts", "Performing Arts (incl. Dance)" and "Literature". The artists honoured in the various categories are nominated by expert juries. The award winners, who are at the beginning of their careers, are characterised by exceptional artistic talent and can demonstrate outstanding achievements.

Video of a concert of Hannah Solveij Gramß at the HfM Würzburg in 2021