Role

:

Composer Conductor  

Country

:

Germany

Birth

:

February 12, 1959 in Cologne, Germany

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Avant-Garde

 

 

Choral

 

 

Concerto

 

 

Orchestral

 

Johannes Kalitzke is a renowned German conductor, composer, and pianist who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on February 6, 1959, in Cologne, Germany, Kalitzke showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of six. He went on to study music at the Hochschule für Musik und Tanz Köln, where he received his diploma in piano performance in 1983. After completing his studies, Kalitzke began his career as a pianist, performing in various concerts and recitals across Europe. However, he soon realized that his true passion lay in conducting and composing, and he began to focus on these areas of music. In 1985, Kalitzke founded the ensemble "musikFabrik" in Cologne, which quickly gained recognition for its innovative and experimental approach to contemporary music. As the ensemble's conductor and artistic director, Kalitzke led numerous performances of contemporary works by composers such as Karlheinz Stockhausen, György Ligeti, and Helmut Lachenmann. Kalitzke's talent as a conductor soon caught the attention of major orchestras and opera houses around the world. In 1994, he made his debut at the Salzburg Festival, conducting the world premiere of Wolfgang Rihm's opera "Die Eroberung von Mexico." He has since conducted at many other prestigious festivals, including the Berliner Festwochen, the Holland Festival, and the Venice Biennale. In addition to his work as a conductor, Kalitzke has also gained recognition as a composer. His works have been performed by leading orchestras and ensembles, including the Berlin Philharmonic, the London Sinfonietta, and the Ensemble Modern. He has received numerous awards and honors for his compositions, including the Schneider-Schott Music Prize in 1995 and the Berlin Art Prize in 2006. One of Kalitzke's most notable achievements as a conductor was his appointment as the principal conductor of the Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra in 2005. During his tenure with the orchestra, he led numerous performances of works by composers such as Gustav Mahler, Anton Bruckner, and Arnold Schoenberg. He also collaborated with many renowned soloists, including pianist Pierre-Laurent Aimard and violinist Patricia Kopatchinskaja. Kalitzke's tenure with the Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra came to an end in 2011, but he has continued to be in demand as a guest conductor and composer. He has conducted many other leading orchestras, including the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic. He has also continued to compose new works, including his opera "Die Besessenen," which premiered at the Munich Biennale in 2012. Throughout his career, Kalitzke has been recognized for his innovative and adventurous approach to music. He has been praised for his ability to bring out the best in both contemporary and classical works, and for his commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in music. His contributions to the world of classical music have been significant, and he continues to be a major force in the field today.

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