Manfred Kratzer

Manfred Kratzer is a Lecturer at the University of Music Karlsruhe since 1992, serving in the Departments of Composition, Music Theory, Music Education, Musicology, Music Informatics, and Music Journalism, as well as Keyboards, Guitar, and Harp. He holds the academic staff position of Akademischer Mitarbeiter.

Education:

• Piano studies with Helmut Meyer-Eggen at the Freiburg Conservatory of Music
• Further studies with Sontraud Speidel at the University of Music Karlsruhe
• Master classes at the International Summer Academy Salzburg and a piano duo refresher course in Stuttgart with Hans-Peter Stenzl

Research & Performance Focus: Specializes in piano performance, chamber music, and music pedagogy. His work emphasizes versatility across classical repertoire, including solo, duo, and ensemble formations. Recordings include chamber music and solo works for SWR/Radio Bremen, CDs with Toccata Classics (featuring Adolf Busch and Josef Schelb compositions), and collaborations with the Ensemble Recherche.

Recognition:

• Recipient of the Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy Competition and Dranoff International 2-Piano Foundation Competition first prizes

Advisory & Outreach: Serves as a juror for youth competitions (including Jugend musiziert) and advocates for aspiring music students. Engages in international performances as a soloist, lied accompanist, and organist in Mexico, Brazil, USA, France, Poland, Taiwan, and Japan.

Ensembles & Collaborations: Performs with the Mendelssohn Piano Duo and Ensemble Recherche, showcasing his expertise in diverse musical contexts.