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Prof. Dr. Wolfram R. Keller is a Professor at the Department of English Philology, Faculty of Philosophy and Humanities, Freie Universität Berlin. His research focuses on medieval and early modern English/Scottish literature, classical reception, and theories of authorship, with special emphasis on temporal structures in literary works. His research explores the transformation of classical traditions in medieval and Renaissance texts, particularly through the lens of hybridity and temporality. Key areas include Chaucer's dream visions, Shakespearean chronologies, Trojan narratives, and intersections of literature with economics and music. Recent work examines how texts strategically reinvent antiquity to address contemporary concerns. Keller leads multiple collaborative research initiatives, including as Principal Investigator for DFG Research Group FOR 2305 Diskursive Representations (2016-2023) examining discursive innovations, and the Excellence Cluster Temporal Communities (2020-present) studying time as a literary construct. His publications demonstrate consistent engagement with how medieval/early modern authors reframe classical tropes to negotiate cultural identity. He directs projects on 'Troynovant Revisited' (DFG 2023–present) analyzing hybridization of classical antiquity in English literature, and 'Shakespearean Chronologies' (Einstein Circle 2016-2019) investigating asynchronous temporalities. His interdisciplinary approach connects literary studies with philosophy, musicology, and economic history.

• Medieval English Literature
• Early Modern English Literature
• Scottish Literature
• +3 more

Cristina Bianchi is a Professor of Harp and Chamber Music at the Munich University of Music and Performing Arts, affiliated with the Institute for Artistic Instrumental Studies. She has held principal harpist positions at prestigious institutions including the Teatro Carlo Felice in Genoa and the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, collaborating with world-renowned conductors such as Claudio Abbado and Lorin Maazel. Born in Milan, graduated with highest honors at 16 Studied under Fabrice Pierre from age 19 Jury member at international harp competitions including ARD Music Competition Research and Performance Focus: Her career centers on harp performance, chamber music collaboration, and orchestral studies. She has performed extensively across Europe, the USA, and Canada with ensembles like the European Soloists Ensemble. Scientific Awards: Recognized through multiple international harp competitions, including: 1989 - International Harp Contest (Israel) 1992 - International Harp Contest (Bloomington) 1993 - Prix Lily Laskine (Paris) 1995 - Victor Salvi Competition (Italy) Recordings: Her chamber music performances have been released by Decca, Naxos, and Wergo, with a solo CD titled "Scarlatti & More" available on Oehms Classics.

• Harp Performance
• Chamber Music
• Music Education
• +2 more

Joachim Held is a Professor of Historical Lute Instruments at the Bremen University of the Arts (Hochschule für Künste Bremen) since 2010. He also teaches at the Royal Conservatory in The Hague since September 2007. Born in Hamburg in 1963, Held received his musical training at the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis under Eugen Dombois and Hopkinson Smith, graduating in 1988 with a Diploma in Early Music. His educational background includes studies with Jürgen Hübscher at the Karlsruhe University of Music from 1988 to 1990, where he completed his artistic final examination. In 1990, he won second prize at the Concours Musica Antiqua of the Flanders Festival in Bruges, launching his international career. Joachim Held is renowned for his expertise in historical lute instruments and early music performance. His research interests span across: Historical Lute Performance Practice Baroque Music Repertoire Renaissance Music Historical Performance Techniques Early Music Instrumentology Lute Musicology Held has built an impressive discography of solo recordings focusing on lute music from various historical periods and regions. His recordings show a particular focus on German, Italian, French, Austrian, Polish, and English lute repertoire from the Renaissance and Baroque periods. His 2006 CD "Erfreuliche Lautenlust" with works by Austrian Baroque composers for Baroque lute earned him the prestigious Echo Klassik 2006 award for the best solo recording in the 17th/18th century category. His notable awards include: Echo Klassik 2006 for the best solo recording in the 17th/18th century category Second prize at the Concours Musica Antiqua of the Flanders Festival in Bruges (1990) As an active performer, Joachim Held has maintained a vibrant international career since the early 1990s. He has performed regularly under the direction of Nikolaus Harnoncourt since 1993 and with Il Giardino Armonico (Milan) since 1992. He has participated in productions of major operas including Francesco Cavalli's "La Calisto" and Monteverdi's "L'Incoronazione di Poppea." His concert activities span across Europe, Africa, Japan, and South America, with performances at major festivals and venues. Held is also involved in academic activities including symposia on early music topics, such as the symposium "John Dowland's Activities on the Continent" held at the HfK Bremen in April 2022. He is scheduled to participate in a Lute Symposium at the Bremen University of the Arts on September 22nd-23rd, 2025.

• Historical Lute Instruments
• Early Music
• Baroque Music
• +3 more

Dr. rer. soz. Steffen Sigmund is an academic director at the Max Weber Institute for Sociology , University of Heidelberg, specializing in cultural sociology, institutional analysis, and civil society studies. His research spans art institutions, social capital, and Weberian theory. Education : PhD in Sociology (Humboldt University Berlin, 1997) Positions : Academic Director (since 2007), Interim Professor (2010–2017), Dean of Studies (2012–2017) Research Interests focus on comparative institutional frameworks, cultural sociology of the arts, foundations, and theoretical synthesis between classical/contemporary sociology. He explores topics like: Institutionalization of artistic and civil society practices Altruism and social wealth dynamics Third-sector organizations and cooperation mechanisms Cultural economic systems in urban development Normative societal theory (Habermas, Honneth) Max Weber's cultural sociology Publications emphasize institutional analysis, cultural theory, and civil society, with recent works on documenta's impact, urban nature exhibitions, and cultural capital. He co-edits the Studies on the Weber Paradigm series. Honors & Service : Trust Fellow, Heinrich Böll Foundation (2006–2016) Chairman, Heidelberg Citizens' Foundation (since 2018) Director, Heidelberg Art Association (since 2021) Contributor to social impact measurement and third-sector governance

• Cultural Sociology
• Comparative Institutional Analysis
• Sociology of Civil Society
• +9 more

Parang Farazmand is a Researcher in the Department of Musicology at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg since 2020, affiliated with the Institute for Music, Media and Speech Sciences. Her work focuses on ethnomusicology, particularly Kurdish and Krudian music traditions, diasporic musical practices of Iranian-Kurdish emigrants, and interdisciplinary applications of the Alexander Technique in music pedagogy. Education : Bachelor in Music Education (Western classical music/piano) from University of Tehran (2002–2006), Master in Ethnomusicology from Tehran Art University (2015–2019). Research Expertise : Conducted extensive fieldwork in Iraq (2005), Turkey (2014), Mokrian/Iranian Kurdistan (2016), and Sweden (2017) studying Kurdish and Krudian musical cultures. Teaching Experience : Previously taught piano and music history at Sanandaj University of Applied Sciences (2013–2014) and held piano teaching positions in Tehran (2006–2019). Contact: parang.farazmand@musikwiss.uni-halle.de | Phone: +49 (0) 345 55-245 53

• Ethnomusicology
• Kurdish Music
• Diaspora Studies
• +3 more

Professor Wolfgang Bauer is a renowned trumpet virtuoso and Professor of Trumpet at the State University of Music and Performing Arts Stuttgart (HMDK Stuttgart). He has held this position since 2000 after previously teaching at the Frankfurt University of Music and Performing Arts and leading the trumpet class at the Basel Music Academy. Bauer is considered one of the leading trumpeters of his generation following his consecutive wins at the German Music Competition and the ARD International Music Competition in Munich in 1993. His research and performance interests span multiple areas of trumpet artistry, with particular emphasis on Baroque Music , Classical Repertoire , and Historical Instruments . Bauer has developed a significant focus on the baroque natural trumpet, releasing specialized recordings on historical instruments. His performance career encompasses Solo Performance , Orchestral Collaboration with major ensembles worldwide, and Chamber Music through his ensembles CITY BRASS Stuttgart and the Wolfgang Bauer Consort. Bauer's recorded output shows a clear trajectory from classical trumpet repertoire toward historically informed performance practice, particularly evident in his 2009 recordings on historical instruments. His work encompasses both scholarly exploration of historical performance techniques and accessible educational projects like children's recordings that reached the hr2 audiobook bestseller list. ECHO Klassik as Instrumentalist of the Year (2009) Best Recording of the Year at Soundstage.com (2008) Winner of the ARD International Music Competition Munich Winner of the German Music Competition in Bonn Bruno Frey Prize from the State Academy of Baden-Württemberg Teaching Award of the State of Baden-Württemberg (2017) As an educator, Bauer has significantly impacted trumpet pedagogy, receiving the prestigious Baden-Württemberg teaching prize worth €50,000 in 2017. He regularly conducts master classes worldwide and serves as a lecturer for the German National Youth Orchestra. His research activities are closely tied to his performance practice, particularly his exploration of historical instruments and baroque trumpet techniques. Bauer leads the Wolfgang Bauer Consort, a baroque ensemble specializing in period performance, and founded CITY BRASS Stuttgart, which received the Bruno Frey Foundation sponsorship prize in 2006.

• Trumpet Performance
• Classical Music
• Baroque Music
• +5 more

Prof. Dr. Frank Erik Pointner serves as Professor of English Literature at the University of Duisburg-Essen within the Faculty of Humanities and Department of English and American Studies. He holds critical administrative roles including academic advisor for Bachelor/Master Anglophone Studies and Teacher Training programs, Chair of the Examination Board for Bachelor/Master programs, and Deputy Chair of the Commission for Teaching and Study Affairs. His institutional presence spans curriculum development, examination oversight, and gender equality initiatives. Pointner earned his MBA from the University of Mannheim (1991), followed by a PhD in Linguistics (1994) with thesis Cockney Glottalling: A Statistical Analysis of Contemporary London Speech , and completed his Habilitation at the University of Duisburg (2001) with Bawdy and Soul: A Revaluation of Shakespeare’s Sonnets . His 2008 professorial appointment solidified his specialization in Medieval/Renaissance studies, Romanticism, and British/American popular culture. His research traverses British/American literary traditions with concentrated expertise in Byron studies, Shakespearean sonnets, phonetics, and cultural representations of identity. Notable intersections include comics as literary adaptation tools, protest music as political expression, and working-class identity construction in popular culture. Methodologically, he bridges historical linguistics with contemporary cultural analysis, examining phenomena from Chaucerian lyrics to Hurricane Katrina's cultural aftermath. Pointner's publication trajectory reveals evolving thematic clusters: early work on phonetics and medieval literature expanded into Romanticism (particularly Byron reception in Germany), then progressively incorporated comics studies and protest music analysis. His recent scholarship demonstrates increasing interdisciplinary reach, connecting graphic narratives with pedagogical applications while maintaining rigorous philological foundations in English literary history. As an educator, he directs curriculum development for English language and literature programs, teaching courses ranging from historical phonology to graphic novels. His administrative leadership in examination boards and study advisory roles directly shapes degree structures across Bachelor, Master, and Teacher Training programs at the university level.

• British Literature
• American Literature
• Cultural Studies
• +5 more

Professor Martin Spangenberg is a distinguished clarinetist and educator, currently serving as Professor of Clarinet and Wind Chamber Music at the Hanns Eisler Academy of Music Berlin since 2013. He previously held a professorship at the Franz Liszt Academy of Music in Weimar from 1997 and served as the first Vice-Rector of the Hanns Eisler Academy from 2015 to 2019. His educational background includes clarinet studies with Prof. Hans Deinzer at the Hanover University of Music, Drama and Media, supported by a scholarship from the German Academic Scholarship Foundation (1988-2003). Spangenberg's artistic focus centers on clarinet performance, chamber music, and orchestral collaboration. He has an extensive repertoire covering works from classical to contemporary periods, with notable recordings of concertos by Reger, Berg, Bartók, Strauss, Molter, and Weber. His interdisciplinary work includes performances at the Dortmund Architecture Days. His accolades include: Multiple first prizes at "Jugend musiziert" Prize winner at the German Music Competition As an educator, Spangenberg has directed the International Chamber Music Course of "Jeunesses Musicales" in Weikersheim and taught at various national and international courses. He has mentored numerous students and collaborated with ensembles such as the Artemis Quartet and the Albert Schweitzer Octet. Professionally, he has held principal positions with the Munich Philharmonic and the Bayreuth Festival Orchestra, and has performed as soloist with leading orchestras worldwide including the Munich Philharmonic under Sergiu Celibidache and James Levine, Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, and Stuttgart Radio Symphony Orchestra.

• Clarinet Performance
• Chamber Music
• Orchestral Performance
• +2 more

Latica Honda-Rosenberg serves as Professor of Violin at Berlin University of the Arts' Faculty of Music within the Institute for Artistic Training - Orchestral Instruments and Conducting and Julius Stern Institute. Since joining the faculty in 2009, she has established herself as a leading international violinist following her silver medal win at the 1998 Tchaikovsky Competition. Her educational trajectory commenced at age four with violin studies, progressing to junior training under Tibor Varga at Detmold University of Music at age nine. She completed advanced studies at Madrid's Escuela Superior de Musica Reina Sofia with Zakhar Bron and Lübeck University of Music. Honda-Rosenberg's artistic practice centers on classical violin performance with emphasis on expressive interpretation and technical mastery. The Strad magazine characterizes her style as "eloquent, expressive, subtle, and varied—in short, wonderful and exhilarating," noting Heifetz-like confidence. Her repertoire spans orchestral concertos to chamber works performed at Salzburg Festival, Rheingau Music Festival, and Jerusalem Chamber Music Festival. Her distinguished recognition includes: Silver Medal at the 1998 Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow As an educator, she conducts master classes globally through the Gustav Mahler Academy across Italy, Germany, France, Switzerland, Croatia, Portugal, and Israel. While mentoring emerging violinists through these intensive sessions, no formal PhD/Master's advisees are documented in institutional records. Her professional activities remain fully active with no indication of reduced status.

• Violin Performance
• Classical Music
• Orchestral Training
• +2 more

Prof. Dr. Tommaso Calarco is the Director of the Institute of Quantum Control at Forschungszentrum Jülich, a leading research center in Germany. He is a key figure in the European quantum technology landscape, having significantly contributed to the coordination of quantum research and the development of the EU Quantum Flagship initiative. His research is centered on quantum control and the technological realization of quantum computing systems. He explores the manipulation of quantum systems, including atoms and semiconductor-based qubits such as those using NV centers in diamond, with a vision towards building practical and scalable quantum computers. Prof. Calarco emphasizes the critical role of national and international collaboration in advancing quantum technology. He anticipates that error-corrected quantum computers will emerge within the next decade, enabling complex, industry-relevant applications. His work bridges fundamental quantum mechanics with future technological applications. He has been inspired by pioneers like Peter Zoller and values the ability to unite diverse scientific communities. Outside of his scientific endeavors, he maintains a deep connection to music, holding a bachelor's degree in classical music and performing Renaissance madrigals, which he credits with helping him maintain mental well-being.

• Quantum Computing
• Quantum Control
• Quantum Technology
• +3 more

Nimrod Guez is a Professor for Viola at the University of Music Würzburg, where he also serves as deputy speaker of the string instruments section. He holds a prominent position in both modern and historical performance practices, contributing significantly to the field of string performance education. His research and artistic interests focus on viola and violin performance, with a deep specialization in early music and historical performance practice. He is particularly active in chamber music and baroque violin, bridging classical and period performance traditions. Nimrod Guez has received recognition through prestigious awards including the first prize at the 'Aviv' competition in 2002 and a scholarship from the American-Israel Foundation. As an educator and performer, he mentors students in string performance and contributes to the academic and artistic life of the institution through ensemble leadership and performance. He has been a principal violist in major orchestras such as the Gewandhausorchester Leipzig, Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, and since 2019, the Chamber Orchestra of Europe. He is a founding member of the early music ensemble 'L'accademia giocosa' and performs regularly at festivals across Europe, including the Utrecht Kamermuziek Festival and Lockenhaus Festival, collaborating with leading musicians such as Janine Jansen, Vilde Frang, and Nicolas Altstaedt.

• Viola Performance
• Violin Performance
• Baroque Violin
• +4 more

Bettina Schwemer is a Researcher at the University of Würzburg , affiliated with the Institute for Music Research under the Faculty of Philosophy. Her work bridges musicology , historical research , and digital humanities , focusing on critical editions of historical music sources and German music traditions. Education : Master of Arts in Musicology, Modern/Contemporary History, and Art History (University of Würzburg, 1993); PhD in Musicology (University of Würzburg, 1998). Research Interests include: Analysis of polyphonic liturgical music German music sources from the 15th–16th centuries Editorial practices for historical music editions Digital preservation of musicological archives Interdisciplinary approaches to music history Collaborative scholarly publishing Recent Publications highlight her expertise in manuscript studies and critical editions, such as her work on Jodocus Schalreuter's manuscript and Bach's cello suites. Her research emphasizes the intersection of historical accuracy and practical usability in music editions. Contact : bettina.schwemer@uni-wuerzburg.de | +49 (0) 931 31-82088

• Musicology
• Ethnomusicology
• Historical Musicology
• +4 more

Prof. Julia Rebekka Adler is a renowned violist and Professor at the Institute for Artistic Training at Universität der Künste Berlin. She specializes in viola performance , historical performance practice , and contemporary music , with a particular focus on works by Jewish composers and Astor Piazzolla’s tango. Her career spans international performances, recordings, and collaborations with ensembles like the Berlin Solistenoctett and the Munich Philharmonic. Her research interests include: Historical performance practice in Baroque music, including viola d’amore. Contemporary music featuring premieres of works by modern composers. Chamber music and rediscovery of forgotten Jewish composers. She has received recognition as a Prizewinner of the Mendelssohn-Bartholdy Competition and has built a repertoire spanning classical concertos to avant-garde compositions. Notable musical partnerships include collaborations with pianists José Gallardo and Jascha Nemtsov, and she has contributed to acclaimed CDs covering diverse genres.

• Viola Performance
• Historical Performance Practice
• Baroque Music
• +4 more

Dr. Thokozani Mhlambi is a creative musician, composer, and interdisciplinary artist affiliated with the University of Bayreuth through its Bayreuth Academy. His work bridges African philosophies, historical narratives, and experimental music, using baroque cello, vocals, and reed ensembles to reimagine cultural legacies such as the Zulu capital Umgungundlovu. He has performed globally at institutions like MoMA (New York), Zeitz MOCAA (Cape Town), and Savvy Contemporary (Berlin), while engaging in cross-cultural collaborations with artists like Angel Bat Dawid and Douglas R Ewart. PhD in Music from University of Cape Town Visiting lecturer at universities in Finland, Brazil, and USA His research integrates ethnomusicology , sound art , and interdisciplinary practice , focusing on reinterpreting African history through avant-garde techniques and non-traditional rhythms. Projects like Playing with Tape and Umgungundlovu Suite highlight his exploration of sonic storytelling and creative methods. Recent article trends reveal a consistent focus on historical reclamation , experimental composition , and African sonic identity , often blending Western classical instruments with African narratives. Scientific Awards Artist-in-Residence at Cite International Des Arts (Paris, 2020), supported by the Institut Français Invited contributor to the Dutch Art Institute’s Roaming Academy (2019) As a lecturer, Mhlambi has mentored in international academic settings, though specific advisees are not listed. His practice also intersects with grants from cultural institutions supporting artistic research and residencies. Labs & Collaborative Platforms He collaborates with the Africa Multiple Cluster of Excellence (Bayreuth), University of Cape Town, and the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (Chicago), engaging in sound-based reimaginings of historical sites and cultural identities.

• Ethnomusicology
• African Studies
• Creative Arts
• +3 more

Ari Rasilainen is a Professor of Orchestra Conducting at the University of Music Würzburg (HfM Würzburg) , where he teaches and mentors students in the art of orchestral conducting. He is renowned as one of the outstanding conductors of his generation, with a distinguished international career spanning decades. His expertise includes classical music, opera, and chamber music performance. Current role: Professor at HfM Würzburg Email: ari.rasilainen@hfm-wuerzburg.de Location: Hofstallstraße, Room H 003 Rasilainen studied under legendary conductors such as Jorma Panula at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki and Arvid Jansons in Berlin. His early career included positions as concertmaster of the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra's second violins (1980–1986) and chief conductor roles with orchestras in Finland, Norway, and Germany, including the Lappeenranta City Orchestra, Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra, Norwegian Radio Orchestra Oslo, and German State Philharmonic Orchestra of Rhineland-Palatinate. He has collaborated extensively with leading German radio orchestras (e.g., Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra) and international ensembles like the Slovenian Philharmonic, Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, and Tonkünstler Orchestra of Lower Austria. His discography includes over 50 recordings, highlighting works by composers such as Kurt Atterberg, Aulis Sallinen, and Siegmund von Hausegger.

• Orchestral Conducting
• Classical Music
• Opera
• +4 more