Culture Prize for Beat Fehlmann: A farewell full of music and honor!

Culture Prize for Beat Fehlmann: A farewell full of music and honor!

On July 6, 2025, Culture Minister Katharina Binz awarded the Peter Cornelius plaque to Beat Fehlmann, the director of the German State Philharmonic of Rhineland-Palatinate. This award is considered the country's highest honor for outstanding achievements in the cultivation and creation of music. The ceremonial handover took place during the final concert of the Speyer Music Festival, which was also Fehlmann's last concert in his role as director. Here, after almost seven years, he presented an impressive record and was officially farewelled, as [rheinpfalz.de](https://www.rheinpfalz.de/lokal/pfalz-ticker_artikel,-beat- Fehlmann-mit-peter-cornelius-plakette-des-landes-geehrung-_arid,5790754.html) reports.

Fehlmann took over the management of the German State Philharmonic on September 1, 2018 and has since led the orchestra to new artistic heights. Under his leadership, the Philharmonie was not only recognized as one of the best orchestras in Germany, but he also initiated a strategic realignment of the ensemble. Fehlmann's special commitment is underlined by the impressive occupancy of the subscription concerts in Ludwigshafen, which was 99% in his last season.

About the new beginning in Liechtenstein

With his new position as artistic director and managing director of the Music Academy in Liechtenstein, which he will take up on September 1, 2025, Beat Fehlmann is taking an exciting step in his career. With him he also founded the Ensemble Esperanza, another building block of his artistic work, which has already been recognized with important awards such as the Opus Klassik and the ICMA Special Prize. However, this new challenge will not be his last innovation, as Fehlmann has always proven in the past that he has a good knack for creative developments.

In her speech, Culture Minister Katharina Binz highlighted Fehlmann's passion and commitment, which has sustainably strengthened the relationship between the orchestra and the audience. The initiative of the “Competence Center for Music”, which involves musicians and administration in the development of new projects, is evidence of his future-oriented way of thinking and promotes creativity and identification within the ensemble, which is pleasingly increasing the number of spectators.

A look at the Fehlmann era

Beat Fehlmann's time as director was characterized by renewal and success. He leaves behind a redesigned orchestra that is well positioned for the future. The Peter Cornelius plaque is not only a sign of his achievements, but also a symbol of the deep-rooted culture of music cultivation in Rhineland-Palatinate. The award of this award reflects recognition of his tireless commitment, not only for the orchestra, but for the entire musical landscape.

Overall, Fehlmann's story impressively shows how important passion and commitment are in the cultural sector and how these qualities can shape the life of many productions and the audience. The path he is now taking in Liechtenstein is being followed with great curiosity and is an exciting chapter in his already remarkable career.