Karlheinz Miklin, who sadly passed away far too soon in 2019, was not only a pioneering figure in Austrian jazz but, thanks to his decades-long collaboration with international greats, was also known and highly regarded far beyond Austria’s borders—one is tempted to say worldwide. He was inducted into the “European Jazz Legends” series by Jazzthing magazine, and the Karlheinz Miklin Trio is featured in Peter von Bartkowsi’s “Family Tree of European Jazz.”

On November 3, 2026, the saxophonist—known to friends and colleagues as Charlie—would have celebrated his eightieth birthday. To mark this occasion, his son Karlheinz Miklin Jr., who played drums with him for over twenty years in the aforementioned trio and other ensembles, has formed a very special ensemble to honor his father and his music.

All members of the band are not only outstanding and internationally sought-after musicians but were also closely connected to Karlheinz Miklin through personal relationships and a shared history with him.

Olaf Polziehn (D) on piano and bassist Morten Ramsboel (DK) were not only his colleagues as professors at the University of Music and Performing Arts Graz, but also toured with him in various groups (often in a quartet with Miklin Jr. on drums).

Miklin met and came to appreciate the trombonist Luis Bonilla (USA) in Groznjian, Croatia. A friendship developed across the ocean, and the idea of forming a quartet together (with Ramsboel and Miklin Jr.) took shape, though their already scheduled debut concert was prevented by Miklin’s sudden passing.

Herwig Gradischnig (A) was once a student of Miklin’s in Graz. He later moved to Linz and became one of the country’s most prominent saxophonists, though they never completely lost touch.

While these musicians all belong to the generation following Miklin, trumpeter Gerhard Ornig (A) is another 20 years younger. Thus, he also symbolizes Miklin’s decades-long work (eight of which as department head) at the University of Music and Performing Arts Graz and in the International Association of Schools of Jazz. Now one of Europe’s leading young trumpeters, Ornig began his studies in Graz and returned there after continuing his education in Amsterdam and New York. He not only played in the Jazz Orchestra of Styria, with which Miklin recorded his compositions in arrangements by Michale Abene in 2016, but was also invited by Miklin to join his sextet on several occasions.

Together, the six musicians will perform compositions from all phases of Miklin’s career in various ensembles, offering highly personal interpretations and often new arrangements. Their aim is to join the audience in remembering Karlheinz Miklin as a person and his music. (Press release)