Birger Petersen

Birger Petersen is a Professor of Music Theory at the University of Music Mainz, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz. His academic roles include Vice-Rector (2014) and Rector (2015–2017) of the University of Music Mainz, alongside a venia legendi in musicology from Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (2017). He has held visiting professorships at institutions such as Freiburg University of Music, Université de Bourgogne, and Middlebury University (USA).

• Education: Studied at Lübeck University of Music and Performing Arts, Christian-Albrechts University of Kiel (PhD 2001 on Johann Mattheson’s melody theory).
• Research: Focuses on 17th–18th century music theory, German-French cultural transfer, and historical compositional techniques in 19th century. Also explores organ music (19th–20th centuries) and Theodor W. Adorno’s music philosophy.
• Awards: Notable accolades include the 2021 Rhineland-Palatinate Academy Prize and multiple culture prizes.
• Projects: Artistic director of the MainzMusik Festival and co-editor of Forum Kirchenmusik.