Matthias Hammerschmitt

Matthias Hammerschmitt is affiliated with the Department of Music Theatre at the Karlsruhe University of Music. He holds the role of Academic Staff (Lecturer) and has extensive experience in music theatre, opera, and orchestral conducting. Born in 1957, he began his musical training at age 10, eventually studying with Thomas Ungar and holding roles as répétiteur, Kapellmeister, and conductor across institutions like the Landestheater Coburg, Staatstheater Karlsruhe, and Schlossfestspiele Ettlingen. Since 1990, he has contributed to the Institute for Music Theatre at his current university. His work spans freelance conducting, choral direction, and composing incidental music for opera, operetta, and musical performances.

• Educational Background: Studied bandmaster under Thomas Ungar in Stuttgart (1977 onward), with early teaching roles in piano and music theory.

Research & Creative Work: Specializes in music theatre production, orchestral leadership, and collaborative performance arts. Notably established music theatre programs at the Schlossfestspiele Ettlingen (1986–1991) and Volksschauspielen Ötigheim (1997–2012). His compositional work includes arrangements for diverse genres, alongside piano accompaniment. Guest performances include engagements in Rio de Janeiro, Strasbourg, and Baden-Baden.

Additional Activities: Maintained roles as organist, music director, and ensemble leader across various institutions. Active in Jeunesses musicales and other cultural initiatives.