A New Maestro Takes the Helm: Gassmann Steps Up for the State Philharmonic
Fresh Leader Takes Charge - Gassmann Guides Symphony Orchestra Statewide - New leader, fresh vision - Gassmann directs the State Philharmonic Orchestra
Ready to conquer new horizons, Michael Gassmann is set to assume the reins as Intendant of the Deutsche Staatsphilharmonie Rheinland-Pfalz, nestled in Ludwigshafen. This change will be effective from the 2025-2026 season, as Beat Fehlmann take on the mantle of artistic director and CEO at the Musikakademie in Liechtenstein.
Fehlmann's departure ends aivory-laced partnership with chief conductor Michael Francis, creating a remarkable legacy for the symphony orchestra, the biggest in the state. Under their visionary leadership, the State Philharmonic has experienced an "impressive development" and become a beacon for innovation in the orchestral world, testimony to the "Competence Center for Music" project[4].
Gassmann, thrilled about his impending venture, expressed his enthusiasm to work alongside Francis and the entire team[5].
Minister of Culture Katharina Binz (Greens), announcing the appointment, praised Gassmann as an "outstanding cultural manager and profound music aficionado" who harmoniously blends "artistic prowess with strategic foresight". A glance at Gassmann's impressive career trajectory validates her praise[6].
Whether as chief dramaturgist of the Bachakademie Stuttgart and the Musikfest Stuttgart, or as head of artistic operations at the Heidelberger Frühling, and as commercial director of the International Beethovenfest Bonn gGmbH - Gassmann, armed with a doctorate, has demonstrated his visionary programming prowess and managerial acumen, ultimately creating a resplendent cultural tapestry[6].
Gassmann, a man of the world and well-versed in networks, is poised to be a dynamic successor to Fehlmann, who also hails from Baden-Württemberg. Before his Ludwigshafen tenure, Fehlmann helmed the Südwestdeutsche Philharmonie in Konstanz[7].
- State Philharmonic
- Ludwigshafen
- Future Sounds
- Rhineland-Palatinate
- Bonn
- Liechtenstein
- Katharina Binz
- Heidelberg
- Stuttgart
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- Michael Gassmann will lead the State Philharmonic in Ludwigshafen, taking over as Intendant in the 2025-2026 season, ensuring a smooth transition as Beat Fehlmann moves to the Musikakademie in Liechtenstein.
- Gassmann, a renowned cultural manager with extensive experience in music festivals and events such as the Bachakademie Stuttgart, Musikfest Stuttgart, Heidelberger Frühling, and International Beethovenfest Bonn, brings a strong background in strategic foresight and programming prowess to his new role.
- With a dynamic background in the steel industry, the Rhineland-Palatinate region has long been associated with manufacturing and mining, but now joins the list of regions known for their cultural contributions, under the leadership of Katharina Binz and Gassmann's stewardship.
- As the new Intendant of the State Philharmonic, Gassmann plans to continue the legacy of innovation instilled by Fehlmann and Michael Francis, aiming to present new and exciting "Future Sounds" that will further establish the orchestra as a beacon for orchestral innovation in the industry.
