Andrew Manze’s position as Chief Conductor of the NDR Radiophilharmonie Hannover extended

Today it was announced that Andrew Manze’s appointment as Chief Conductor of the NDR Radiophilharmonie Hannover will be extended by another two years, until the summer of 2023. Manze has held this position – which has been renewed once already – since 2014, and his collaboration with the orchestra has been hugely successful. Together they have produced an array of musical feats, highlights of which include their first recording together, the first in a series of Mendelssohn symphonies, which was awarded the annual German record critics’ prize as the best “orchestral recording” of 2017 (Preis der Deutschen Schallplattenkritik), and a collaboration with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic (of which Manze is Principal Guest Conductor) for two poignant performance of Britten’s War Requiem, one in each orchestra’s hometown marking the centenary of World War I.

Manze and the NDR Hannover have had huge success both in and beyond Germany, including a tour to Asia with Sir András Schiff, and guest performances at Vienna’s Musikverein, Salzburg’s Großes Festspielhaus, Felsenreitschule and more. Manze strives to spread enthusiasm for classical music throughout Hannover and Lower Saxony, and next month they will tour through the state, with performances in Bad Harzburg, Northeim, Wolfsburg and Hannover. In Autumn 2019 they will return again to China.

Lutz Marmor, NDR director, said of Manze: “Andrew Manze is an inspiring musician, and a strong motivator and communicator. With his outstanding level of energy, high musical standards and sharp wit, he wins over many people far beyond the classical music audience. During his concerts, Mr. Manze succeeds in communicating his love of music to the audience. We are delighted to have such an enthusiastic musician, who himself fills others with enthusiasm, as the Chief Conductor of the NDR Radiophilharmonie.”

Manze himself has said: “I am extremely happy and proud to extend my contract with the NDR Radiophilharmonie. Together with the musicians, I have travelled far and wide in recent years – both musically and geographically. The orchestra is busier than ever. It is sounding wonderful and is sharing the widest possible repertoire with listeners of all ages. I wish to thank NDR for taking such an important role in promoting culture.”