Dresden musicians ‘shocked’ at Thielemann’s removal

Members of the Sächsische Staatskapelle Dresden says the state’s decision to terminate chief conductor Christian Thielemann in 2024 ‘hit us unexpectedly.’

They say they appreciate the need to adjust to longterm changes in the music market and will apply themselves in the near future to identifying the next chef conductor.

They added: ‘We are extremely grateful to Christian Thielemann for countless musically unique concert and opera projects as well as tours in the past nine years since he has been our chief conductor.’

All of which confirms that politicians have taken control of a turbulent situation at the Semper Oper.

What Thielemann does next is another matter. He is also out of contract as music director of the Bayreuth Festival.