All ultra, Bernhard Schimpelsberger?

He is a native of Vienna and an expert drummer. He has expanded his drum kit to include a wide variety of percussion instruments from around the globe. He is renowned for his Indian tabla artistry on ›Western‹ drums. He is a noisemaker in the best sense of the word — and a Beethovenfest Fellow for 2025!

What is the most complicated rhythm you have ever played?

I was in an absurd situation on stage with Abel Selaocoe’s »Four Spirits«, which has very complex rhythms. The percussion group behind the orchestra was far from my drums at the front – we simply couldn’t hear each other. I played three rhythms simultaneously, hoping we would all arrive together at the end!

What’s the spiciest thing you’ve ever eaten?

I was in Chengdu, China, with Beethovenfest in December 2024. As a tour group, we had already ventured into spicier dishes, but then came the chilli chicken. Chilli-to-chicken ratio: It was definitely ten to one — the dish was red! It was topped off with Szechuan pepper. It was amazing. We all tried it, but it really wasn’t possible to eat it. That was the final boss! (Laughs.)

How quietly can you play the drums?

I love the textures you can create when playing the drums, especially with percussion instruments that can mimic the sounds of nature. My favourite instrument is the ocean drum, which sounds like the sea. The sound emerges from the silence and fades back into it — it can really give you goosebumps!

What was the craziest music lesson you ever had?

I once travelled by night bus in India with my tabla guru. It’s like that there: as soon as the guru wants to teach, they start. In this case, it was in the middle of the night on the bus. Indian rhythms are taught through language and clapping. I loved it and was eager to learn as much as possible. However, I was also incredibly tired as we had already been travelling for eight hours. We were sitting on the floor clapping out rhythms while an old Jackie Chan action film played on the TV at the front. It was just absurd! I was extremely tired, extremely motivated and extremely distracted!

What’s the longest you’ve ever been on tour for?

It was in 2016 when I organised ten projects with musicians in ten different European cities. I was on the road for two and a half months.

What’s the most awkward moment you’ve ever experienced on stage?

I think I’ve blocked it out! But I remember one: five years ago, I played in a jazz trio with Thomas Gould at a concert in London. He has an incredibly expensive violin, probably worth six figures. During the final applause, I stumbled over the clip microphone attached to his violin. It flew off his chair, and the audience let out a loud »Ooooh«. I felt incredibly uncomfortable. But then Thomas gave the all-clear, saying, »I think she’s gonna be OK.«

Is there anything in your life that you would say you are »ultra« at?

Going to the sauna. I can go at any time of day or night. I just love the heat. It’s an absolute reset for me.