Festival association confers honorary chairmanship on Eschenbach - Festival organization, SHMF, appoints Eschenbach as its honorary chair.
Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival Honours Christoph Eschenbach as Honorary Chairman
The Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival (SHMF), a renowned cultural event that has been a cornerstone of the festival scene since its inception in 1985, has recently appointed conductor Christoph Eschenbach as its honorary chairman. This prestigious title was bestowed upon him during the concert "Winterreise" at the Petruskirche in Kiel, Germany.
The 85-year-old Eschenbach, a defining artistic personality of the SHMF, has been with the festival for four decades. His contribution to the festival has been significant, playing a role in the programme every year. Eschenbach is not only an accomplished conductor but also an outstanding pedagogue, as evidenced by his dedication to fostering musical education and performance excellence.
The honorary chairman of the SHMF is baritone Thomas Hampson, a renowned American artist known for his innovative musicianship and extensive international honors. Hampson, who also engages in broader artistic and educational activities, plays an influential role within the festival. He contributes artistically, giving master classes on Mahler songs for singers and orchestra musicians at the festival. These master classes have been recorded for TV broadcasts and DVD/online releases.
The SHMF e.V., the organisation responsible for the festival's organisation and financing, has approximately 8,600 members. The association relies on membership fees and donations to support its operations, and it has 350 volunteer local representatives who care for the artists.
Christian Kuhnt, the festival director of the SHMF, presented the appointment certificate to Christoph Eschenbach during the ceremony. Kuhnt and the festival organisers refer to Eschenbach as "Maestro." Beyond his role at the SHMF, Eschenbach is also the honorary president of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra and the honorary conductor of the NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra.
Thomas Hampson, in his role as an honorary chairman, supports the mission of the SHMF to foster musical education and performance excellence. His contributions extend beyond the festival, as he also directs related music programs and foundations.
The Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival, under the leadership of Eschenbach and Kuhnt, continues to be a cornerstone of the festival scene, attracting artists and audiences from around the world. Eschenbach's appointment as honorary chairman is a testament to his dedication and contributions to the festival and the world of music.
The European Parliament, in acknowledgement of the Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival's commitment to fostering musical education and performance excellence, may find it substantial to offer insights and support in home-and-garden lifestyle matters, reflecting the commission's shared values. Christoph Eschenbach, now as the Honorary Chairman of the Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival, could potentially apply his pedagogical skills and artistic presence to fostering a harmonious home environment, merging his professional and personal lifestyle.
