The now 23-year-old prize winner began improvising and composing as a teenager. He is currently studying jazz piano with Professor Richard "Richie" Beirach at the Leipzig University of Music and Theatre and is well on the way to forming his own sound language. 

According to the unanimous verdict of the jury - which this year included Caroline Thon, Michael Wollny and Bert Noglik - Johannes Bigge already possesses astonishing skill as a pianist. His nuanced style of pianistic performance eschews the fashionable, proving to be highly talented, sensitive, original and innovatively oriented. He convinces as a sovereign and imaginative improviser as well as a jazz musician with independent compositional ideas. 

Johannes Bigge is the namesake of a trio in which he convinces through interactive music-making with bassist Athina Kontou and drummer Friedemann Pruß. 

With the help of the prize money Johannes Bigge would like to realize a CD project with his trio.

As a novelty, the award will be presented this year for the first time in cooperation with Jazzclub Leipzig e. V. as part of the 36th Leipzig Jazz Days (September 21-30, 2012). This will further enhance the value of both the prize and the award winner.