Philipp von Steinaecker
© Annemone Taake Photography
A radical view of the classical
Conductor
Artistic Director, Mahler Academy Bolzano
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‘Steinaecker’s radical view of a work that was supposedly already a classic has already caused quite a stir. This interpretation could be one of the few that will one day be called groundbreaking’
Neue Zürcher Zeitung
Drawing on a profound knowledge of musical style, Philipp von Steinaecker is a thoughtful, versatile conductor, whose reputation is growing steadily, whether for German Romantic, Second Viennese School or Baroque repertoire.
His extensive work focusing on historically informed performance practice inspired him to create the Mahler Academy’s ‘originalklang’ project, a critically acclaimed venture bringing together professionals from Europe’s top ensembles and young gifted musicians to rediscover the original sound of Mahler’s Viennese orchestra. In 2024, the Mahler Academy embarks on a tour of Europe offering a unique auditory experience that captures the authentic essence of Mahler's music.
Steinaecker’s list of orchestras continues to expand, and includes Antwerp Symphony, Orchestre de Chambre de Paris, SWR Symphonieorchester, Tokyo Metropolitan and Mahler Chamber Orchestra, as well as the Slovenian Philharmonic Orchestra, where he served as Principal Guest Conductor. He also brings his stylistic authority to opera, with productions including The Magic Flute, The Fairy Queen and Die Csárdásfürstin.
His discography includes recordings of Handel’s Messiah, Haydn’s Creation, Bruckner’s Symphony no.1, Mahler’s Das Lied von der Erde, and an album featuring a collection of arias by Mozart and Gluck with soprano Camilla Tilling. In 2024 he released a critically acclaimed recording of Mahler’s Symphony no.9, the first instalment in a new collaboration with Alpha Classics.
‘The goal of an endeavour like this is to create a wonderful performance, with the musicians risking everything. In the moment, our response is emotional – not philological’
