Thomas Hengelbrock

Thomas Hengelbrock is an exceptional talent in many respects: as a violinist, conductor, scholar and ambassador for the power of music in personal union, he has been inspiring an international audience for many years. The profound examination of the musical text, meaning and content of works forms the focus of his work across epochs and genres and at the same time the basis for his international career. Thomas Hengelbrock both unearths works that have been forgotten or thought lost and offers a refreshing new look at the standard repertoire. In addition to historically informed performances of works such as Mendelssohn’s „Elijah“, Haydn’s „Creation“, Beethoven’s „Missa solemnis“, Wagner’s „Parsifal“ on original instruments and Mascagni’s „Cavalleria rusticana“ in the present original version, he also devotes himself in particular to the music of the immediate present.

For over 25 years, Thomas Hengelbrock, as founder and artistic director, has celebrated great successes with his Balthasar Neumann ensembles at international festivals and at renowned concert halls and opera houses. In 2017 he conducted the opening concert of the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg. In diverse academy programmes he promotes young musicians and shares his extensive knowledge and experience. Thomas Hengelbrock is also a sought-after partner for orchestras such as the Vienna and Munich Philharmonic Orchestras, the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, the Orchestre de Paris, the Orchestre National de France and the Tonhalle Orchestra Zurich. In addition to his work as a conductor, Thomas Hengelbrock has also been involved as a director in numerous productions such as Purcell’s „Dido and Aeneas“ and Mozart’s „Don Giovanni“ and works on interdisciplinary projects with actors such as Klaus Maria Brandauer, Johanna Wokalek and Graham Valentine.

He is particularly concerned with opening up access to art and culture for young people and exciting their curiosity for music. During the Corona pandemic, he was particularly committed to the continuation of culture and creating opportunities for freelance musicians in Europe. In 2016, Thomas Hengelbrock was awarded the Herbert von Karajan Music Prize for his services.