Since early childhood, music has been an integral part of Stefan Plank’s life. Guided by his father, Prof. Johann Plank, an orchestral musician with the ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra (RSO Vienna), he began studying the trumpet at a young age. After many years of private instruction, he completed his concert studies at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna with Prof. Josef Pomberger and Prof. Martin Mühlfellner. He further refined his skills in masterclasses with Prof. Otto Sauter and Håkan Hardenberger.
His orchestral career has taken him from the Carinthian Symphony Orchestra (2nd/3rd trumpet) and a part-time position with the Graz Philharmonic Orchestra / Opera Graz to his current role as Associate Principal Trumpet of the ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra, which he has held since 2024. In addition, he regularly performs as a substitute with the Vienna Philharmonic, Vienna Symphony Orchestra, Tonkünstler Orchestra of Lower Austria, the Vienna Volksoper, and the Vienna State Opera.
Alongside his work as an orchestral and solo trumpet player, Stefan
Plank is also active as a jazz pianist and composer. His artistic approach combines the tradition of the Viennese trumpet school with contemporary sound concepts—both as a performer and as a composer and arranger