“Kompetenzzentrum für Musik: Ein Zukunftsmodell für professionelle Orchester”, by Beat Fehlmann (with further perspectives from Anna Stegmann, Christoph Emminghaus and Hannah Schmidt)

Review

Abstract

In recent years, the need for change in orchestral institutions has become increasingly urgent. With the publication Kompetenzzentrum für Musik: Ein Zukunftsmodell für professionelle Orchester [Competence Centre for Music: A Future Model for Professional Orchestras], Beat Fehlmann develops a practice-informed case study of a comprehensive transformation process, exemplified by the model project of the Deutsche Staatsphilharmonie Rheinland-Pfalz [German State Philharmonic of Rhineland-Palatinate; short: DSP]. On the premise that the creative potential in orchestras extends beyond performance to organisational development and societal engagement, the central question is how an orchestra can transform itself from within into a collaborative and structurally more flexible “competence centre”. In response, Beat Fehlmann developed a model that enables staff to actively shape the artistic and organisational development of the DSP through concrete, practice-based projects. This initiative has been widely recognised, including the Innovation Prize of the Deutsche Orchester-Stiftung.