Dorothée Oberlinger

Dorothée Oberlinger is an internationally renowned recorder player, ensemble leader, conductor, and Professor of Recorder at the Mozarteum University Salzburg since 2004. She has revolutionized the recorder's artistic profile through groundbreaking work in early and contemporary music, founding Ensemble 1700 and directing major festivals including Arolsen Baroque Festival (since 2009) and Potsdam Sanssouci Music Festival (since 2018).

Her educational background includes studies in:

• Cologne
• Amsterdam
• Milan

Professor Oberlinger's research centers on reviving historical performance practices while expanding the recorder's repertoire into new music. Her work emphasizes original sound concepts in rediscoveries of rare Baroque operas and instrumental works, demonstrating the recorder's versatility beyond traditional perceptions. This scholarly-artistic approach has reestablished the instrument on world stages through innovative concert formats and critically acclaimed recordings.

Her distinguished accolades include:

• Grand Cultural Prize of the Sparkassen-Kulturstiftung Rheinland (2025)
• Opus Klassik (2020, Instrumentalist of the Year)
• Echo Klassik
• Diapason d'Or
• ICMA Award
• Telemann Prize of the City of Magdeburg
• Federal Cross of Merit, First Class

As an educator, Oberlinger has mentored generations of musicians through her professorship at Mozarteum University, where she headed the Institute for Early Music (2008-2018), developing its international profile. Her pedagogical philosophy combines technical mastery with creative exploration, inspiring students through unconventional concepts that bridge historical authenticity and contemporary expression.

She directs Ensemble 1700 as its artistic leader and conductor, producing award-winning opera stagings and recordings. Since 2024, she has expanded her influence as Artist in Residence at Knechtsteden Early Music Festival, creating top-tier productions that showcase both historical repertoires and new commissions for the recorder.