trioPLUS consists of the Lübeck-based musicians Peter Ortmann (piano), Florian Galow (double bass), and Oliver Sonntag (drums and percussion).

Founded in 2015, the trio sees itself as a collective of musicians, dedicated to both contemporary and original compositions. Their performances merge composed material with group improvisation and a blend of individual and collective interpretations—always shaped by their shared approach to musical interaction. The trio's repertoire forms a creative bridge between their understanding of jazz and improvised music, the European jazz avant-garde, and the cultural history of the Hanseatic city of Lübeck.

For their concerts, trioPLUS seeks out unique and stimulating venues—spaces that resonate with the contemporary spirit and experimental curiosity of their music.

Since 2016, trioPLUS has regularly expanded its core lineup in the concert series “trioPLUS meets Europe's Jazz Legends”, held at the St. Petri cultural church in Lübeck, and from 2019 onward also at the “Beichthaus” concert hall of the European Hansemuseum, located in the historic Burgtor Monastery complex. Guests have included notable figures such as Manfred Schoof, Ekkehard Jost, Ack van Rooyen, Gianluigi Trovesi, Gunter Hampel, Conny Bauer, Rüdiger Carl, Philip Catherine, and Phil Minton—all highly creative improvisers with distinct musical voices who have left a lasting mark on the international jazz scene. In 2020, the trio welcomed guitarist Joe Sachse; in 2021, they were again joined by Manfred Schoof. Future collaborations are planned with Bernd Konrad and Palle Mikkelborg.

Beyond their own concerts, the members of trioPLUS are actively involved in various projects initiated and supported by Jazzpool Lübeck e.V. and the Friends of Jazz Hanseatic City of Lübeck, including the "Hanse Jazz Connection" partnership project, the "Hanseatic Reunion Quartet", the Travejazz Festival, the "Jazzherbst" workshop series, and the interdisciplinary “Prismakultur – Classical Meets Rhythm” series. They are also featured in the “Lübeck Jazz Allstars” and participate in a variety of school outreach programs.

In early 2020, trioPLUS released their debut CD, recorded at the legendary MPS Studio in Villingen, Black Forest. Featuring guest soloists Manfred Schoof and Conny Bauer, the album is titled “Bollenhut.”

Through constant rehearsal, workshop phases, and musical experimentation, the trio has developed a shared sonic language—one that gives each player the freedom to express themselves while significantly expanding the spectrum of musical tension and release. New horizons have opened, the harmony of their interplay has deepened, and their collective artistic understanding resonates both internally and externally—with each other and with the audience. trioPLUS creates an experience of joy and fulfillment for all who listen.

Photo by Maximilian Busch