The Paul Kuhn Ensemble is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1997 by the renowned German jazz pianist and bandleader, Paul Kuhn. The ensemble is known for its unique blend of classical and jazz music, and has become one of the most popular and respected ensembles in Germany. Paul Kuhn was born on March 12, 1928, in Wiesbaden, Germany. He began playing the piano at a young age and quickly developed a passion for music. In the 1950s, Kuhn became a well-known jazz pianist and bandleader, and he went on to perform with some of the biggest names in jazz, including Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, and Duke Ellington. In 1997, Kuhn decided to form a classical music ensemble that would combine his love of jazz with his passion for classical music. He assembled a group of talented musicians, including violinist Christoph Poppen, cellist Julius Berger, and clarinetist Sabine Meyer, and the Paul Kuhn Ensemble was born. The ensemble quickly gained a reputation for its innovative and exciting performances, which blended classical music with jazz improvisation. The group's first album, "Classical Meets Jazz," was released in 1998 and was a critical and commercial success. Over the years, the Paul Kuhn Ensemble has performed at some of the most prestigious venues in Germany and around the world. The group has played at the Berlin Philharmonic, the Salzburg Festival, and the Montreux Jazz Festival, among others. One of the highlights of the ensemble's career was its performance at the 2006 World Cup opening ceremony in Munich. The group played a medley of classical and jazz music, including a rendition of the German national anthem, which was widely praised for its creativity and energy. The Paul Kuhn Ensemble has also received numerous awards and accolades over the years. In 2001, the group was awarded the Echo Klassik award for its album "Classical Meets Jazz." The ensemble has also been nominated for several other Echo Klassik awards, including Best Ensemble and Best Crossover Album. In addition to its live performances, the Paul Kuhn Ensemble has released several albums over the years, including "The Best of Paul Kuhn," "The Best of Paul Kuhn Ensemble," and "Classical Meets Jazz 2." Sadly, Paul Kuhn passed away on September 23, 2013, at the age of 85. However, his legacy lives on through the Paul Kuhn Ensemble, which continues to perform and record music in his honor. Today, the Paul Kuhn Ensemble is led by violinist Christoph Poppen, who has been a member of the group since its founding. The ensemble continues to push the boundaries of classical and jazz music, and remains one of the most innovative and exciting ensembles in Germany.

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