German bass Georg Zeppenfeld, originally from Attendorn, began his musical journey studying to become a teacher before pursuing vocal studies at the conservatories in Detmold and Cologne, where Hans Sotin was a formative influence. After early engagements in Münster and Bonn, he joined the ensemble of the Semperoper Dresden in 2001, which has remained the artistic center of his career ever since.

Renowned for his noble and distinctive voice, Zeppenfeld ranks among the most sought-after basses of his generation. He performs regularly at the leading opera houses of Europe and North America and appears on the world’s foremost concert stages. His wide-ranging repertoire spans from Mozart and Verdi to Wagner, with roles such as Sarastro (The Magic Flute), Rocco (Fidelio), King Philip (Don Carlo), Landgrave Hermann (Tannhäuser), King Marke (Tristan und Isolde), Gurnemanz (Parsifal), Veit Pogner and Hans Sachs (Die Meistersinger), and Pimen (Boris Godunov).

A major milestone in his career came in 2019 with his acclaimed debut as Hans Sachs at the Salzburg Easter Festival under Christian Thielemann. Since 2010, he has been a regular presence at the Bayreuth Festival in leading Wagnerian roles.

He collaborates with many of the world’s top conductors, including Franz Welser-Möst, Daniel Barenboim, Antonio Pappano, Gustavo Dudamel, Daniele Gatti, Riccardo Chailly, Kirill Petrenko, Christian Thielemann, Fabio Luisi, and Andris Nelsons. His artistry is documented on numerous CD and DVD recordings as well as in radio and television broadcasts.

In recognition of his achievements, Zeppenfeld has been named a Saxon Kammersänger and received the Austrian Music Theater Award for his portrayal of Gurnemanz at the Vienna State Opera.