The selection committee's decision was unanimous: Friedrich Praetorius is the new General Music Director at the Staatstheater Braunschweig starting with the 2026–27 season.
“Friedrich Praetorius is an excellent choice for the Staatstheater Braunschweig,” says Falko Mohrs, Lower Saxony’s Minister for Science and Culture. “He combines artistic excellence, youthful vigour, great musical energy and a remarkable development as a conductor. I am delighted with the committee’s clear decision and am convinced that he will bring important new impetus to musical theatre and the Braunschweig State Orchestra.”
Tobias Wolff, the designated General Director of the Staatstheater Braunschweig, is also delighted with the unanimous vote in favour of Friedrich Praetorius. “He is a musicaly gifted conductor with a wide range of expression, a keen sense of subtle timbres, great musical clarity, excellent communication skills and a palpable enthusiasm for the theatre. I am convinced that he is an excellent fit for the Staatstheater Braunschweig, the State Orchestra and the artistic development of our institution. I am very much looking forward to working with him.”
Friedrich Praetorius explains: “I am delighted by the trust placed in me and the prospect of becoming General Music Director of the Staatstheater Braunschweig. Over the past few months, this theatre, its orchestra, its ensemble and the whole city have welcomed me with great openness, curiosity and artistic energy. I am therefore all the more eager to shape the coming seasons together with the musicians of the State Orchestra and all sections of the theatre, to provide fresh impetus and, at the same time, to continue Braunschweig’s great musical tradition.”
Friedrich Praetorius will make his debut as General Music Director in Braunschweig on 22 August with a special production: Der Freischütz will be performed open-air on the historic Burgplatz, the heart of the city of Braunschweig, to mark the start of the season.
The young conductor has been appointed principal conductor and assistant to Donald Runnicles at the Deutsche Oper Berlin for the 2024/25 season. Previously, he held posts including principal conductor at the German National Theatre in Weimar and at the Chemnitz Theatre. From next season, Friedrich Praetorius will also serve as permanent guest conductor at the Oper Leipzig for an initial period of two years.
