The Gewandhausorchester thrives on its musical personalities and on a shared vision: existing traditions should be preserved and new traditions established. The Stiftung Zukunft Gewandhaus zu Leipzig supports this vision: our objective is to provide the Gewandhausorchester with optimal conditions so that it can continue to generate groundbreaking impulses in the international musical landscape, far into the future. To this end, we actively support a multitude of special projects, as well as contributing our own ideas and initiatives.
Without the unparalleled voluntary commitment of the founding fathers of our Stiftung Zukunft Gewandhaus zu Leipzig, the enduring promotion of art, culture and music within and around the renowned Gewandhaus and its orchestra would be unthinkable. Each of them brings their own unique vision and commitment to the foundation:
The founding benefactors (l to r): Prof. Dr. med. Wilfried Pommerien, Prof. Dr. med. Dr. phil. Torsten Haferlach, Dr. Harald Langenfeld, Steffen Hildebrand, Dr. Arend Oetker, Jozsef Bugovics | © Konrad Stöhr
The Foundation Executive Board
The Foundation Executive Board, which manages and administers the Stiftung Zukunft Gewandhaus zu Leipzig, comprises the following voluntary members: Steffen Hildebrand (chairman), Dr. Harald Langenfeld (vice-chairman) and Prof. Dr. med. Wilfried Pommerien (member).
© Gert Mothes
Steffen Hildebrand
Chairman of the Foundation Executive Board
“Taking an active part in securing the future of the Gewandhaus is, for me, a matter of civic self-responsibility. I am happy to take the opportunity to give something back to the city of Leipzig, in gratitude for everything that I have been able to shape, influence and realise here. In view of the current economic reality, I consider the establishment of the Stiftung Zukunft Gewandhaus zu Leipzig to be a necessity – even if we are only at the beginning of a journey that will prove to be a task for generations.”
© Claudia Masur
Dr. Harald Langenfeld
Vice-chairman of the Foundation Executive Board and Chairman of the Board of the Sparkasse Leipzig
“We are committed to advancing the future of the Gewandhaus, since it is a crucial cultural centre for the entire region and a world-renowned ambassador for Leipzig as a commercial centre. As a concert hall steeped in history it promises musical fulfilment of the very highest calibre, while as an exclusive event venue, it shines far beyond the world of music. These assets must be preserved and, indeed, strengthened – the Stiftung Zukunft Gewandhaus zu Leipzig is an invaluable component of this endeavour.”
© Gert Mothes
Prof. Dr. med.
Wilfried Pommerien
Member of the Foundation Executive Board
“The history of the Gewandhaus is founded upon civic engagement – and so too is its future. We value the unifying, formative, transformative power of music and of those who compose, perform, conduct and enable it. In order that it doesn’t become lost to us forever, this power requires a culture of support. For this reason, I am donating to this cause – and others with me. Six at first – in the future many, many more.”
These sentiments illustrate the deep-rooted passion and commitment of the founding fathers to the foundation and its objectives. Thanks to their support and that of numerous other benefactors, the Stiftung Zukunft Gewandhaus zu Leipzig is in a position to set new standards in the international classical music scene and to preserve and advance the cultural heritage of the Gewandhaus.