GERNOT SÜSSMUTH - Director

GERNOT SÜSSMUTH began playing the violin at the age of seven and two years later made his first public appearance playing Haydn's violin concerto in G. He won various Youth competitions and in 1980 began studies at the Hans Eisler Conservatory in Berlin. He led the Orchestra of the Conservatories of the (former) DDR and his first professional job was as concert-master of the Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra. For concerts at the Salzburg Festival he also led the New Berlin Chamber Orchestra.

From 1991 to 1999 Gernot Süssmuth was a member of the Petersen Quartett, as well as a freelance soloist. The Quartet won many international prizes including First Prize of the Chamber Music Competition, 'Vittorio Gui' in Florence. For three years he was one of the leaders of the Berliner Staatskapelle, under Daniel Barenboim, in 2002 he took up a post as concert-master of the Weimar Staatskapelle. Since 1992 Süssmuth has also been a Professor at the Hans Eisler Conservatory in Berlin and in 1994 he directed his first tour with the European Union Chamber Orchestra.