About Me
Born in Munich in 1968, I discovered my passion for music as a soloist with the celebrated Tölzer Boys’ Choir, where I worked with legendary conductors such as Herbert von Karajan, James Levine, Wolfgang Sawallisch, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, and Dennis Russell Davies. My studies at the renowned music academies in Munich and Vienna, under mentors like Leopold Hager (conducting) and Karl-Hermann Mrongovius (piano), laid the foundation for a versatile and international career.
Over the years, I have led orchestras across Europe, Asia, and the United States, collaborating with more than 150 prestigious ensembles – from the Philadelphia and San Francisco Symphony Orchestras to the ORF Symphony Orchestra, Staatsphilharmonie Rheinland-Pfalz, and orchestras in Tokyo, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur.
I believe deeply in the transformative power of music. Whether through innovative concert programming, collaborations across genres, or hosting special events like The Sound of Christmas in Germany’s major cities, I strive to make classical music accessible and inspiring for new and diverse audiences.
My Journey
1968
Born in Munich
Grew up in a culturally rich environment that inspired an early passion for music, setting the foundation for a lifelong career in conducting and artistic leadership.
Early years
Tölzer Boys’ Choir
As a soloist, worked with legendary conductors including Karajan, Levine, Sawallisch, Harnoncourt, and Davies, gaining formative experience in discipline, performance, and musical excellence.
Studies
Music Academies in Munich & Vienna
Studied conducting with Leopold Hager and piano with Karl-Hermann Mrongovius, combining technical mastery with artistic depth to prepare for an international conducting career.
1996
Landestheater Detmold
Began professional career as répétiteur with conducting duties, learning the craft of opera rehearsal, vocal coaching, and stage collaboration in a demanding professional theater environment.
1997
Chemnitz Opera House
Advanced to répétiteur and Second Choir Director, refining operatic repertoire and leadership skills while contributing to one of Germany’s respected opera institutions.
1999
Collegium Instrumentale Chemnitz
Appointed Chief Conductor, developing a distinctive artistic profile through innovative programming, ensemble leadership, and recognition for shaping a versatile, dynamic orchestra.
2002–2007
Bulgarian Chamber Orchestra
Served as Principal Guest Conductor, building international collaborations, embracing Eastern European traditions, and enriching my artistic expression through cultural and stylistic exchange.
2003
Leipzig Symphony Orchestra
Appointed Chief Conductor, expanding repertoire and audience reach, introducing innovative concert formats, and working with renowned soloists to raise the orchestra’s profile.
2008–2019
Theater Pforzheim
General Music Director, overseeing opera, operetta, musical, and symphonic concerts. Known for innovative programming and shaping the orchestra into a dynamic cultural force.
2019–present
Thuringia Philharmonic Gotha-Eisenach
Chief Conductor, strengthening regional and national reputation, combining tradition with modern programming, and building inclusive projects to engage audiences across generations.
2020–present
Kaunas City Symphony Orchestra
Principal Guest Conductor, contributing to concerts, recordings, and tours. Fostered cultural exchange between Germany and Lithuania, building bridges through shared music-making.
International
Guest Conducting
Conducted 150+ prestigious orchestras worldwide, including Philadelphia, San Francisco, Hamburg, Munich, Turku, Utah, Nashville, and Detroit Symphony Orchestras, inspiring audiences across Europe, Asia, and the USA.
Special projects
The Sound of Christmas Gala Concerts
Artistic lead and host of festive concerts in Düsseldorf, Cologne, Frankfurt, Stuttgart, and Nuremberg, offering audiences joyful, accessible, and unforgettable evenings of music.