Johannes Maria Staud

Johannes Maria Staud is a University Professor (Univ.-Prof.) of Composition at the Department of Composition & Music Theory, Mozarteum University in Salzburg. His work integrates interdisciplinary influences from literature, film, and visual arts, often addressing philosophical, social, and political themes through structured dramaturgical compositions.

Education: Studied composition, musicology, and philosophy in Vienna, followed by composition studies in Berlin under Hanspeter Kyburz. Joined Mozarteum University in 2015/16 as composition professor, becoming Univ.-Prof. in 2018.

Research interests focus on cross-artistic collaborations and socio-political narratives in music, exemplified by works like Die Weiden (2018 opera addressing European political fragmentation) and Contrebande (inspired by Bruno Schulz's writings). Notable commissions include pieces for Berlin Philharmonic, Vienna Philharmonic, and Cleveland Orchestra.

Key awards: Erste Bank Composition Prize (2002), International Rostrum of Composers Prize (2003), Ernst von Siemens Music Foundation Prize (2004), and Paul Hindemith Prize (2009).

Teaching & Legacy: Succeeds former teacher Michael Jarrell at Mozarteum, mentoring composition students while maintaining active commission relationships with major orchestras. His works explore avant-garde techniques while retaining narrative cohesion.