Born in 1977 in southern Germany, Raimund Zell’s musical path began amidst the rich traditions of a local wind band—an environment that laid the foundation for a lifelong passion for sound and expression. He pursued formal studies in horn performance with Michael Höltzel in Detmold and later with Christian Dallmann at the Universität der Künste in Berlin, where his artistic vision and technical finesse were further shaped.

As a young musician, Zell was a member of both the German Youth Orchestra and the European Union Youth Orchestra, early experiences that nurtured his international outlook and ensemble sensibility. His professional career led him to perform with several of Europe’s most distinguished orchestras, including the Radio Symphony Orchestra Stuttgart, Komische Oper Berlin, and the Staatskapelle Dresden. For nearly a decade, he held a permanent position with the Gewandhaus Orchestra Leipzig, one of the world’s oldest and most revered ensembles.

Since 2007, Zell has been a key member of the Mahler Chamber Orchestra, collaborating regularly with leading conductors and soloists on the international stage. In addition to his core commitments, he is a frequent guest with major concert and opera orchestras throughout Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

As both a soloist and chamber musician, Zell has garnered numerous awards at international competitions. Alongside his performing career, he is highly regarded as a pedagogue. He taught for several years at the Universität der Künste Berlin in Christian Dallmann’s renowned horn class, held a professorship at the University of the Arts Bern (2011–2012), and served as horn professor at the University of Music and Performing Arts Graz from 2012 to 2015. Since 2012, he has been a professor for horn at the Anton Bruckner University in Linz, Austria.

Beyond music, Zell is also a certified mental coach, supporting the next generation of musicians with a holistic approach to artistry and performance. He lives and works in Vienna.