Xaver Poncette

Xaver Poncette is a Professor of Opera, Oratorio, and Art Song at Folkwang University of the Arts in Essen, Germany, holding this position since 1994. He concurrently serves as musical director of NRW-Kammeroper since 2003. His career spans performance as a pianist and conductor at Detmold and Essen's Aalto Theater (1983-1994), alongside directing acclaimed university opera productions including Humperdinck's "Hänsel und Gretel" (2006) and Verdi's "Falstaff" (2007).

Born in 1954 in Düsseldorf, Poncette began piano training at age six. After initial medical studies post-high school, he transitioned to formal music education focusing on conducting, piano, and composition. His professional journey reflects a synthesis of performance practice and creative artistry within vocal music traditions.

Poncette's research and artistic practice centers on opera production, vocal pedagogy, and contemporary chamber opera development. His work bridges historical repertoire with innovative staging, exemplified by premieres of Maxwell-Davies' "The Lighthouse", Floros' "Gala Gala", and his own composition "Dead End" (2008). This demonstrates sustained engagement with both canonical works and new music theatre forms, emphasizing collaborative creation between performers and directors.

As NRW-Kammeroper's musical director, Poncette leads a specialized ensemble dedicated to chamber-scale opera productions that foster emerging artists while exploring experimental approaches to staging. His leadership integrates academic training with professional production values, maintaining Folkwang's reputation for excellence in music theatre education through hands-on project direction.