Mark Rohde leaves Schwerin: Farewell to the Staatskapelle with sadness!

Mark Rohde leaves Schwerin: Farewell to the Staatskapelle with sadness!

After five intensive years at the helm of the Mecklenburgische Staatskapelle in Schwerin, Mark Rohde says goodbye with one laughing and one crying eye. The general music director is moving to Würzburg, where he will take over the direction of the Philharmonic Orchestra. His departure from Schwerin is not entirely voluntary, but Rohde is optimistic and sees the change as a new artistic opportunity.
When Rohde began his term in office in 2020, his start came during the period characterized by the corona pandemic. This meant that he had to wait almost two years before he could conduct a full concert. Despite these initial hurdles, Rohde has established himself 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 he amazed people.
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!” He will include the Peer Gynt Suite, Strauss songs, Brahms’ Hungarian Dances and pieces from “Fledermaus” on the program.

Harmonious collaboration and challenges

Rohde's time in Schwerin was characterized by appreciative collaboration. Concertmaster Volker Reinhold emphasizes the communication at eye level. Such a relationship within the orchestra is not a given and shows that Rohde has a good knack for dealing with musicians. At the same time, it gives a voice to the challenges in cultural funding. Financial support from the state is a problem that will continue to concern the Staatskapelle in the future. Whether the new general music director can continue the proven tradition of the Staatskapelle remains to be seen, as the position of chief conductor remains vacant for the time being.
In a broader discussion about cultural funding in Germany, a current study by FREO – Free Ensembles and Orchestras in Germany e.V. shows how differentiated the working conditions in the industry are. This study sheds light on the historical development of the German orchestra landscape and makes it clear how financing influences the reality for musicians. Rohde is critical of the current situation in culture, but sees the need for artistic change as a way to bring a breath of fresh air and expand creative horizons.

A look into the future

With a solid plan for his career in Würzburg, Rohde is particularly looking forward to performing more operas. He emphasizes that the will on both sides is necessary for fruitful cooperation and looks to the new challenge with confidence. Despite his impending move, Schwerin will not take a backseat to him; Rohde has developed a special relationship with the people and the local environment here. His work found impressive confirmation in the orchestra academy and the improved rehearsal conditions.
Rohde's departure is also a sign that the discussion about cultural funding in Germany will not stop. It remains to be hoped that his successor can continue to maintain the tradition and sound of the Staatskapelle and, as Rohde emphasizes, that Schwerin remains in a playing condition. His last words as GMD will be remembered: “Culture is an essential part of our self-image,” and with this he draws attention to the important tasks that lie ahead of us.