21.09.2011

The Staatskapelle Dresden is grieving about their former chief conductor Kurt Sanderling

The former chief conductor of the Staatskapelle Dresden has passed away on Sunday, September 18th, at the age of 98, which was announced by his family on Monday. Sanderling used to be the orchestra’s chief conductor from 1964 to 1967 and has remained a close connection with the Staatskapelle Dresden afterwards.

He was the first conductor to introduce the Staatskapelle Dresden to Japan in 1972 during a concert tour. In the mid-70s he recorded several of Brahm’s symphonies with the Staatskapelle Dresden, which managed to retain role model status until today.

Furthermore, Sanderling was praised for his interpretations of Dmitri Schostakowitsch, who was also a close friend. Therefore, it was not coincidence that Sanderling became patron of the International Schostakowitsch Festival in Gohrisch (Saxon Switzerland) two years ago. The Staatskapelle Dresden was one of the initiators of the festival and hosted most of the artistic contributions. On May 27th, Sanderling was rewarded with the International Schostakowitsch Award 2011.

The musicians of the Staatskapelle Dresden are in deep grief about their former chief conductor, an exceptional artist and person.

Photo credit: Friederike Kübler, Internationale Schostakowitsch Tage Gohrisch

 

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