Conductor Daniel Barenboim awarded honorary role at Berlin orchestra
Veteran conductor Daniel Barenboim has been awarded honorary membership of the Berlin State Opera and appointed as honorary principal conductor of its Staatskapelle orchestra, the institutions announced on Friday.
The Argentine-born pianist and conductor took over as general music director of the state opera and its orchestra in 1992, leading them to international renown.
Barenboim's contract was to run until 2027, but he stood down from his position at the start of 2023 on health grounds after having to cancel a number of engagements.
Appointed principal conductor for life of the Staatskapelle in 2000, he will now fill the role in a purely ceremonial capacity.
"Daniel Barenboim is one of the greatest musicians of our time. What he has achieved not only for the Staatskapelle Berlin, but also for the institution of the State Opera Unter den Linden, the city of Berlin and the world of music over 30 years, is more than impressive," director Matthias Schulz said in a statement.
Berlin's State Opera, one of three opera houses in the German capital, is located on its central Unter den Linden boulevard, close to its iconic Brandenburger Gate landmark.
