Born in Munich in 1971, the cellist Sebastian Hess studied at the music academies in Würzburg and Munich with Julius Berger and Helmar Steihler, before studying musicology at Munich University. From 1990 to 1994 he was among the pupils of William Pleeth in London and in 1997 was one of the few pupils of Mstislav Rostropovich. His musical career has ranged from historical performance on the baroque cello to the major elements of the classical and romantic repertoire, and collaboration with contemporary composers and leading colleagues. He has appeared as a soloist and recitalist in festivals and other engagements throughout Europe and in the Far East.