Markus Burger’sSpiritual Standards

Where chorales and Christian hymns meet the 21st century.

Chorales, hymns and sacred music in a conversation between classical tradition and jazz improvisation.

Black-and-white close portrait of Markus Burger and Jan von Klewitz — Photograph · Marc Comes

From a concert host

“Your arrangements of the most beautiful and best-known German chorales, church songs and Christmas songs connect Christian music and contemporary jazz. All guests were delighted by your performance and virtuosity.”

Jörg Grotjohann · German Consulate General, Marseille · 2026
English translation from the presenter EPK

The project

A tradition made personal.

Spiritual Standards grew from Markus Burger’s personal encounter with chorales and the strength he found in their spiritual character. The project invites different musicians into a conversation between familiar melodies and new ideas.

Saxophonist Jan von Klewitz has been a longstanding collaborator in its recordings and international concerts since 2000. Other collaborations bring their own voices to the music while preserving its spirit of attentive improvisation.

Since 2000An evolving musical project

Bach AwardCity of Erfurt

Five albumsRecordings with Jan von Klewitz

Markus Burger and Jan von Klewitz together in Vienna — Vienna · Photograph by Tom Tany

The recordings

Five chapters in sound.

The five Spiritual Standards albums with Jan von Klewitz trace a continuing conversation, from the first recording to music inspired by Martin Luther. Choose an album cover to listen on YouTube.

Spiritual Standards One album cover — OneSpiritual Standards

Spiritual Standards Secunda album cover — SecundaSpiritual Standards

Spiritual Standards Tertia album cover — TertiaSpiritual Standards

Spiritual Standards Quarta album cover — QuartaFrom the New World

Spiritual Standards Quinta album cover — QuintaSongs Inspired by Martin Luther

Visit our YouTube channel ↗Spiritual Standards videos ↗

In concert

Music for the room.

Programs can be shaped for the occasion, the venue and its audience. Instrumentation can be tailored to the program; workshops and conversations may accompany a performance.

Embassies & consulates

German musical heritage heard through a contemporary language, suited to cultural exchange and local partnerships.

Churches & sacred spaces

Chorales and hymns interpreted with respect for the source material and the character of the space.

Festivals & concert series

An intimate and accessible program for listeners drawn to classical melody, jazz and improvisation.

Concert calendar

Upcoming concerts.

Dates and venues are updated here as concerts are announced.

Open the concert calendar in a new window ↗

Spiritual Standards performing at an embassy concert in Tallinn — Embassy concert, Tallinn · Photograph by Diana Unt

In their words

What our hosts say.

“Planning, preparation and implementation of the project were harmonious and uncomplicated.”

Dr. Peer Gebauer · German Ambassador, Bucharest · 2025

“Before and during the visit, we experienced smooth, professional cooperation and an artist who adapted to local conditions with ease and flexibility.”

Irene Maria Plank · German Ambassador, Sofia · 2025

“We thank you for the professional, friendly and uncomplicated cooperation, which we would recommend at any time.”

Constantin Zelenty · German Embassy, Bishkek · 2025

“You impressively succeeded in taking your audience on a two-hour journey in this special place.”

Thomas H. Meister · German Ambassador, Reykjavík · 2014

“The Bismarck Hall was filled with enthusiastic listeners, and many weeks after the event people were still talking to us about the evening.”

Nikolai Stoikow · German Consulate General, St. Petersburg · 2018

“In jazz anything goes. Even Johann Sebastian Bach is fair game, according to the gospel of Markus Burger.”

Cam Miller · San Diego Union-Tribune

Diplomatic excerpts translated from German in the 2026 presenter EPK. Original letters are available on request.

In photographs

On stage and beyond.

Grand piano and saxophone before a Spiritual Standards performance — The instruments · Photograph by Diana Unt

Pianist Markus Burger and saxophonist Jan von Klewitz performing at a diplomatic concert — In concert · Photograph by Silver Gutmann

Markus Burger and Jan von Klewitz walking through Vienna — Vienna · Photograph by Tom Tany

For presenters

A program worth sharing.

Download the 2026 Signature Edition EPK for the full project story, concert programs, photographs, recordings and recommendations. Concert length, repertoire, piano and acoustics can be discussed for your venue.

Download Signature Edition EPK Download concert poster

Portrait · Marc Comes ↓Vienna · Tom Tany ↓Tallinn · Diana Unt ↓Concert · Silver Gutmann ↓

Please retain the photographer credit when using a press image.

Booking & collaboration

Begin a conversation.

For embassy and consulate programs, concert halls, churches, festivals and educational collaborations, please include your city, venue and preferred dates.

info@markusburger.com