Torsten Schönfeld

Prof. Torsten Schönfeld holds an honorary professorship at the University of Music and Theatre Rostock, specializing in timpani and percussion. He has served as solo timpanist with the Bayreuth Festival Orchestra since 1998, Staatskapelle Berlin since 1990, and previously with the Robert Schumann Philharmonic Chemnitz. His career includes guest performances with leading orchestras globally, including Staatskapelle Dresden, Gewandhausorchester Leipzig, and Berliner Philharmoniker.

• Education: Studied at the Carl Maria von Weber College of Music in Dresden (1979-1983).
• Key Roles: Mentor in West-Eastern Divan Orchestra, Internationale Bachakademie Stuttgart, and teaching at orchestra academies in Seville and Berlin.

Research focuses on orchestral percussion techniques and historical performance practices. Awards include the 2022 honorary professorship recognizing his contributions to music education and performance.

Grants/Advising: No explicit grants mentioned, but extensive mentorship in orchestral training programs. Lab/Teams: Member of Percussion Ensemble Berlin and C.P.E. Bach Chamber Orchestra.