Schwerin says Lebewewh: Rohde changes to Würzburg! A farewell concert!

Schwerin says Lebewewh: Rohde changes to Würzburg! A farewell concert!

After almost five years, Mark Rohde will give up his post as General Music Director (GMD) of the Mecklenburg State Chapel in Schwerin and switch to the Mainfranken theater in Würzburg. This decision comes as a surprise to many, especially because Rohde announced his farewell only two years before his contract. Nevertheless, the musician looks full of melancholy, but also anticipation for the next section of his career. As Nordkurier , raw last performance in Schwerin is a concert entitled "Fire, lifesty!" be on July 12th.

his time in Schwerin began in the summer of 2020, in the middle of Corona measures that delayed his first performance in front of a full house. Nevertheless, Rohde quickly established itself and revived the Mecklenburg State Theater with a varied cultural offer. A Highlight of his term was the foundation of an orchestral academy that introduces young musicians to the state band. This initiative was praised by General Director Hans-Georg Wegner as a major progress for the orchestra.

a farewell with deep thanks

Rohde is deeply grateful for the experiences that he could gain in Schwerin. "I have built up a special relationship with the city and its people," he says. He will miss the atmosphere and the support of the audience very much. The Mecklenburg State Chapel, one of the oldest orchestras in Germany, also remains dear to his heart; He particularly appreciates the sound quality, which characterizes the strings in particular.

The decision to move to Würzburg sees Rohde as a way to develop artistically. The game plan of the Philharmonic Orchestra in Würzburg offers him the chance to conduct more operas, which is particularly important to him. "The artistic challenges in Würzburg are attractive to me," he emphasizes.

cultural financing in view

A central topic during Rohdes term was the financial support from the country. While he registered progress in cultural financing, he warns of the existing deficits. The Kulturfinanz report 2024 provides information about the public financing of cultural areas in Germany and shows how different the medium-sized distribution looks compared to the federal countries. Rohde emphasizes the differences between Bavaria and northern Germany and sees culture as an essential part of social self -image.

While Rohde takes over the musical direction in several opera productions such as "Dido and Aeneas" and sales campaigns such as the Federal President's Christmas concert until the end of the season in Schwerin. The search will take place in close coordination with the state chapel to find a worthy successor who can continue the heir Rohde.