Sächsische Bläserphilharmonie & Thomas Clamor
Biography Sächsische Bläserphilharmonie & Thomas Clamor
Sächsische Bläserphilharmonie
When looking at the history of European music, one sees the long tradition of independent music making for diverse wind ensembles, both liturgically and secularly. The range spans from the diverse ways of the town piper and the music of the council and court, over to the genres of classical Harmoniemusik and the romantic wind serenade, and up to the tutti sound of the modern symphony orchestra. There are countless composers and ensembles whose names are associated with this genre.
Linking itself to this rich heritage for more than a half century, the Saxon Wind Philharmonic is the only German classical ensemble specializing in such music. Faithful, lively interpretations and instrumental perfection ensure great public appeal and demonstrate the high artistic standards that the ensemble sets upon itself. The orchestra’s own academy, founded in 1995, is a testament to the pedagogical ethos of the Philharmonic Wind Orchestra and its commitment to continuity.
With Thomas Clamor as its principal conductor since 2001, the orchestra has taken significant artistic steps towards its recognition as a symphonic concert orchestra. Acclaim by both the public and critics for CD, DVD and TV productions as well as an increased number of concerts, both in Germany and abroad, define the increased standard of quality.
The orchestra has served numerous times as a cultural ambassador on concert tours to China, Venezuela and Australia. In cooperation with the public music education program in Venezuela, known worldwide as El Sistema, as well as with Notenschlüssel zur Integration (“Keys for Integration”), a sustainable and highly publicized musical project in Germany, the musicians offer up-to-date impulses through the unique possibilities of a creative orchestral community.
As an internationally acclaimed conductor, teacher and musical ambassador, Thomas Clamor passes on his dedication and enthusiasm to both his musicians and audience alike. In addition to being the principal conductor of the Saxon Wind Philharmonic, he is an internationally sought-after guest conductor for numerous symphonic orchestras and chamber music ensembles around the world. Many highly-praised audio, video and radio broadcast recordings document the stylistic range of his artistic work.
Thomas Clamor
founded the European Brass Ensemble, based in Austria at the Melk Abbey (a UNESCO-World Heritage Site) as well as the Venezuelan Brass Ensemble, which has placed him on some of the greatest stages in the world. He has conducted at, among others, the Salzburg Festival, the London Proms, Carnegie Hall and the Berlin Philharmonic and is a well-received guest by many orchestras in China, Korea, South America and Europe.
Pedagogically, Thomas Clamor is also continually taking on new challenges. Since 2011 he has been the director of the German Wind Academy. He was a guest professor in Weimar and Detmold and is a professor (honoris causa) at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music. At the Berlin Hanns Eisler School of Music he laid the foundation for the Department of Music Education and initiated projects with his students in Berlin’s socially disadvantaged neighbourhoods. Social issues are also at the heart of El Sistema in Venezuela, one of the most significant worldwide social projects, which is based upon the concept of music’s transformational power. For 15 years, Thomas Clamor’s work there has been held in high regard as he gives children and adolescents a vision for the future.
For many years the Berlin Philharmonic was Thomas Clamor’s musical home. In 1986 Herbert von Karajan hired him as trumpet player as the then-youngest member of the world-class orchestra. He remained a member of the Berlin Philharmonic for over 20 years. During this time with the orchestra he became acquainted with the most important stages, performed at some of the most important venues around the world and experienced the greatest soloists and conductors in the ensemble’s daily work.
Even today, Thomas Clamor works and conducts at the highest level of artistic exchange. In 2015 he was awarded Germany’s Federal Cross of Merit. His artistic excellence demonstrates that he is an exemplary model of someone who not only makes impressive social contributions but is also actively involved in national and international education. Thomas Clamor never presents himself on stage as just a musician, but as an entire person. Through his art and projects, he shows how important music is for every individual as well as what art can achieve in society.
