Mark Rohde leaves Schwerin: Farewell to the state band with melancholy!

Mark Rohde leaves Schwerin: Farewell to the state band with melancholy!

After five intensive years at the head of the Mecklenburg State Chapel in Schwerin, Mark Rohde says goodbye with a laughing and a crying eye. The general music director moves to Würzburg, where he will take over the management of the Philharmonic Orchestra. His farewell from Schwerin is not entirely voluntary, but Rohde is optimistic and also sees a new artistic possibility in the change.
When Rohde 2020 began his term, his start of the time characterized by the Corona pandemic fell. This meant that he had to wait almost two years before he could conduct a fully occupied concert. Despite these initial hurdles, Rohde has established itself well in Schwerin and successfully filled the Mecklenburg State Theater with numerous concerts. He managed to perform important works such as Bruckner 8 and Beethoven 9, and more than once you were amazed.
The final appearance in Schwerin is on July 12th when Rohde will be heard at the Meckproms, the traditional final concert of the season. Under the title "Fire, lust for life!" Will he put the peer-gynt suite, Strauss songs, Brahms ’Hungarian dances and pieces from the" bat "on the program.

harmonious cooperation and challenges

rawdes time in Schwerin was shaped by appreciative cooperation. Concert master Volker Reinhold emphasizes the communication led at eye level. Such a relationship within the orchestra is not a matter of course and shows that Rohde has a good knack for dealing with musicians. At the same time, he gives a voice to the challenges in cultural promotion. Financial support from the country is a problem that the state band will continue to employ in the future. It remains to be seen whether the new general music director can continue the proven Tradition of the state chapel, since the position of the chief conductor remains vacant for the time being.
In a broader discussion about cultural support in Germany, a current study by Freo - Freie Ensembles and Orchestra in Germany e.V. This study illuminates the historical development of the German orchestra landscape and makes it clear how financing influences reality for musicians. Rohde is critical of the current situation of culture, but sees the need to change art as a way of bringing a breath of fresh air and expanding the creative horizon.

A look into the future

With a solid plan for his career in Würzburg, Rohde is particularly looking forward to the performance of more operas. He emphasizes that the will is necessary for fruitful cooperation from both sides and looks at the new challenge with confidence. Despite his upcoming change, Schwerin will not move into the background for him; Rohde has developed a special relationship with people and the local environment here. His work found impressive confirmation in the orchestra academy and the improved sample conditions.
Rohdes Gegangang is also a sign that the discussion about cultural promotion in Germany does not stop. It is to be hoped that his successor can continue to maintain the tradition and sound of the state chapel and that Schwerin, as Rohde emphasizes, remains in a playable state. His last words as a GMD are remembered: "Culture is an essential part of our self -image", and it directs the view of the important tasks that lie ahead.