Gernot Bernroider

Gernot Bernroider is an Austrian-born drummer, composer, and cultural producer who has performed with leading musicians across Europe and the U.S., sharing stages with legends like Dr. Billy Taylor, Ron Carter, Jane Monheit, Wycliffe Gordon, Ingrid Jensen, and Valerie Holiday (The Three Degrees). His dynamic playing has resonated in renowned venues such as Birdland, Lincoln Center, and Blue Note NYC, as well as with ensembles including the New York Jazzharmonic Big Band and the Adam Rafferty Trio.

He is the founder and producer of the NYCMusikMarathon, a vibrant workshop and festival series that has brought international artists and music education together for over 15 years. He also created the jazz-fusion group The Oulipians, known for their innovative performances at Dizzy’s Club, Outreach Festival, and Blue Note, and for broadcasts on ORF and WDR.

His album Feelin’ Good: A Tribute to Nina Simone, featuring Donnie McCaslin, reimagines Simone’s most beloved songs through original arrangements crafted by Bernroider himself. His most recent release, Homebound, on Austrian label Alessa Records, showcases his ensemble Culturessence with saxophonist Jason Rigby and vocalist Chanda Rule, blending rich textures and global influences into a sound all their own.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree from the Manhattan School of Music, a Master’s from City College of New York, and studied Cultural Management at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna.