Hochschule für Musik, Theater und Medien Hannover

Henrik Magnus Schmidt was born in 1973 in Weilburg/Lahn (Germany) where he first had organ and later also percussion and piano lessons.

After studying at Staatliche Hochschule für Musik Karlsruhe, he supplemented his education with an artistic postgraduate study at Hochschule für Musik Hanns Eisler Berlin.

In 1998 he took his first permanent position as percussionist/timpanist at Wuppertal Symphony Orchestra, in the years 2000 to 2003 at SWR Rundfunkorchester Kaiserslautern. In 2003 he became sub. 1st percussionist of Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin. His concerts led him to the world’s most important concert venues including Philharmonie Berlin, Royal Albert Hall in London, the Golden Hall of the Musikverein Vienna, Suntory Hall in Tokyo, Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires, and Tonhalle Zurich.

In addition to his orchestral work, Henrik M. Schmidt is regularly active in chamber music projects for percussion ensemble as well as interdisciplinary ensembles.

In 2012, Henrik M. Schmidt started teaching orchestra and percussion at Hochschule für Musik und Theater (HMT) Rostock. He was co-founder and director of the ensemble „Percussion Community Rostock“ and was appointed head of the percussion/harp department in 2013. In 2016, HMT Rostock awarded him the title of honorary professor.

With effect from February 1, 2025, Henrik M. Schmidt was appointed professor for percussion at Hanover University of Music, Drama and Media (HMTMH) where he is heading the percussion department. His further teaching activities extend to master classes throughout Europe.

(Photo: Reiner Niklas)