Philipp Goldmann is the new artistic director

September 1, 2022. Philipp Goldmann is the new artistic director of the Leipziger Synagogalchor. He succeeded Ludwig Böhme, who was appointed director of the Windsbacher Knabenchor.

Goldmann was a member of the Thomanerchor Leipzig and studied singing and choral conducting in Leipzig and Oslo. As a baritone soloist, he is primarily in demand as a singer of oratorical works. He regularly works with renowned ensembles such as the Gaechinger Cantorey, the MDR Rundfunkchor or the Amsterdam Baroque Choir. From 2002 to 2018 Goldmann was singer and musical director in the male vocal quartet Ensemble Thios Omilos. Since 2015 he has directed the Denkmalchor Leipzig. He teaches classical singing as well as choir and orchestra conducting at the University of Halle-Wittenberg and at the Evangelical University for Church Music in Halle.

In the application process, which was accompanied by a commission made up of representatives of the choir and Leipzig’s musical and cultural establishment, Goldmann prevailed over nine applicants, three of whom presented their skills and personality in choir rehearsals, with great approval. The choristers themselves were also involved in the election of Goldmann with an internal vote. In recent years, Philipp Goldmann has worked with the Leipziger Synagogalchor as a soloist and guest conductor. Thanks to his wide-ranging artistic and educational activities, he has many years of practical experience and a good network in music and culture.

“I am very pleased about the election and feel honored to be able to work with such a traditional and high-profile ensemble in the future,” explains Goldmann. “Due to my long-standing connections to the choir, it will not be a complete new beginning, but a reunion with friends for both sides. Together we want to further develop the choir and, as a cultural ambassador for Jewish music, represent the city of Leipzig nationally and internationally. I wish my predecessor Ludwig, from whom I was able to learn a lot myself, all the best and every success for his new professional challenges.”

Ludwig Böhme congratulates on the decision: “Congratulations! I am pleased that the application process has led to a result with such broad approval. I wish the choir and its new director all the best for a trusting, harmonious and successful work! I will remain connected to the ensemble and the wonderful Jewish choral music!”