Schwerin's GMD Mark Rohde is leaving the city: farewell concert full of emotions!

Schwerin's GMD Mark Rohde is leaving the city: farewell concert full of emotions!

Mark Rohde, the popular General Music Director (GMD) of the Mecklenburgische Staatskapelle, will leave the city of Schwerin and work at the Mainfranken Theater in Würzburg from the 2025/26 season. This step comes two years before the official end of his contract and is viewed with a touch of sadness by both himself and the members of the orchestra. Rohde appeared in Schwerin in the summer of 2020 and experienced an inauguration that was heavily influenced by the Corona measures, which resulted in an almost two-year wait for a fully occupied concert. Nevertheless, he managed to establish himself in Schwerin and allow the Mecklenburg State Theater to flourish.

His farewell concert, the MeckProms, is titled “Fire, Lust for Life!” and will take place on July 12th on the open-air stage. For this event, Rohde has put together a varied program, including works such as the Peer Gynt Suite, Strauss songs as well as Hungarian dances by Brahms and excerpts from “Fledermaus”. The tickets cost 39.50 euros and it will be interesting to see how the audience reacts to this special evening, especially since it will be Rohde's last appearance in his previous homeland.

Successes and developments in Schwerin

During his tenure, Rohde took significant steps to enrich the cultural landscape in Schwerin. Under his leadership, the Orchestra Academy was founded, a step that was praised by Hans-Georg Wegner, the general director of the Mecklenburg State Theater, as a great benefit for the Staatskapelle. This academy aims to attract young talent to the orchestra and secure its artistic future. In addition, Rohde has achieved significant improvements in the rehearsal conditions, which are essential for orchestral playing.

Rohde reflects with gratitude on his time in Schwerin and emphasizes that he has developed a deep connection with the people and the city. “I will miss Schwerin and the audience very much,” he says. However, in the discussion about financial support, Rohde also addresses challenges, especially in view of the austerity measures in cultural financing, which are discussed in the 2024 cultural finance report. This report examines public spending on culture in Germany, which has been subject to particular fluctuations in recent years.

A new section in Würzburg

For Rohde, the move to Würzburg is not only a professional but also an artistic departure. He looks forward to the new opportunities that will be offered there, especially in terms of performing more operas. The city has a long tradition in the music scene, and Rohde sees himself in a position to take over the artistic direction of the Philharmonic Orchestra and to give the State Theater a contemporary design.

Until his move, Rohde will fulfill his obligations in Schwerin on several productions. These include both modern and classical works, such as the operas “Strandrecht” by Ethel Smyth and “Dido and Aeneas” by Henry Purcell, as well as various concerts, including the Federal President's Christmas concert and the meeting in Schwerin Cathedral with Schubert works.

Finally, Rohde left a lasting mark in Schwerin, and his review shows the existing harmony between him and the orchestra. “The Staatskapelle does not have to resign,” he emphasizes, “it is in a condition to play.” The report on funding public culture shows that we all need a spark of hope and support for the future in the field of culture. And that, says Rohde, is important to all of us.

For further details on Rohde's move and his recent activities in Schwerin, see Northern Courier and Culture MV. For deeper insights into the situation of cultural financing in Germany, the Cultural Finance Report 2024 be of interest.