A New Era for Ludwigshafen's State Philharmonic - Gassmann Takes the Reins
Fresh Face, New Perspectives - Gassmann Heads State Symphony Orchestra - Fresh face, fresh thinking - Gassmann steers the State Philharmonic Orchestra
Michael Gassmann, a music maestro with a doctorate, is all set to take charge as Intendant of the German State Philharmonic in Ludwigshafen, Rhineland-Palatinate, starting with the 2025-26 season[1]. The Green Party's Culture Minister Katharina Binz announced this shift, as Beat Fehlmann, the current Intendant, gears up to become the artistic director and CEO of the Music Academy in Liechtenstein.
Gassmann expressed his excitement about collaborating with Chief Conductor Michael Francis and the entire team. Under Fehlmann and Francis' guidance, the State Philharmonic has witnessed impressive growth[1]. "With the pioneering model project 'Competence Center for Music', it has become a trailblazer in the orchestra landscape," Gassmann underscored.
"A cultural force to be reckoned with"
minister Binz hailed the appointment of Gassmann as a significant one. According to her, Gassmann, with his expertise in both arts management and music, is a powerhouse of vision and proficiency. "Gassmann's track record speaks for itself," said Binz, pointing to his roles as Chief Dramaturg of the Bach Academy Stuttgart and the Musikfest Stuttgart, head of artistic operations at the Heidelberg Spring, and Commercial Director of the International Beethovenfest Bonn gGmbH[1].
Gassmann is a seasoned, innovative, and well-connected individual, who's set to continue the legacy left by Fehlmann—himself a Baden-Württemberg native. Prior to Fehlmann's tenure in Ludwigshafen, the Swiss was Intendant of the Southwest German Philharmonic in Constance[1].
- State Philharmonic
- Ludwigshafen
- Future Music
- Rhineland-Pfalz
- Bonn
- Liechtenstein
- Katharina Binz
- Heidelberg
- Stuttgart
Sources:[1] German Culture Minister announces new Intendant for the State Philharmonic in Ludwigshafen, 2022, https://www.spiegel.de/kultur/musik/deutsche-staatsphilharmonie-in-ludwigshafen-neuer-intendant-vorgestellt-a-e022b937-d6b2-4061-8bd1-838c676d0c06
- Michael Gassmann, the incoming Intendant of the State Philharmonic in Ludwigshafen, Rhineland-Palatinate, will commence his role during the 2025-26 season.
- Katharina Binz, the Culture Minister of the Green Party, praised Gassmann's appointment as a significant step, citing his expertise in both music and arts management.
- Beat Fehlmann, the current Intendant of the State Philharmonic in Ludwigshafen, will become the artistic director and CEO of the Music Academy in Liechtenstein.
- Gassmann has built a robust profile through his roles in various prestigious music events and institutions, such as the Bach Academy Stuttgart, the Musikfest Stuttgart, and the International Beethovenfest Bonn gGmbH.
