Annerose Schmidt

Prof. Annerose Schmidt is a renowned pianist and the first woman to serve as rector of the Berlin University of the Arts (Hochschule für Musik Hanns Eisler Berlin). Born on October 5, 1936, in Wittenberg, she began her musical career at age nine with concerts featuring works by Chopin, Liszt, and Bach. She pursued advanced studies at the Leipzig Academy of Music (Hudební Academy in Lipsku), later establishing an international career with concert tours across Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, and Asia. In 1990, she became the first female rector of a German music conservatory, leading the institution until at least 2003. Her contributions to music education and cultural life earned her the prestigious Federal Cross of Merit in 2003.

Her career spans performance, pedagogy, and administrative leadership in classical music. As a pianist, she specialized in Romantic and Baroque repertoire, while her academic roles emphasized institutional advancement and gender equality in arts leadership.

• Education: Graduate studies at the Leipzig Academy of Music
• Key Roles: Rector of Hochschule für Musik Hanns Eisler Berlin (1990– )
• Awards: Federal Cross of Merit (2003)