Deutscher Orchestertag promotes healthy musicians

Health – both individual and institutional – will be top of the agenda at this year’s Deutscher Orchestertag conference in Berlin.

Now in its 11th edition, Deutscher Orchestertag 2013 is expected to attract around 100 participants from across Germany, including orchestra managers and administrative staff. The event will take place on 17 and 18 November.

Anselm Rose (pictured), a director and founder of Deutscher Orchestertag, told IAM: ‘This year’s main subject is health: the health of the orchestra musicians on one hand, and health of the orchestra’s administrative staff on the other. The title of the event is ‘Man lebt nur einmal. Gesundheit für alle’, which translates as ‘You only live once. Health for everyone’.’

Speakers at Deutscher Orchestertag 2013 include Claudia Spahn, director of the Freiburger Institut für Musikermedizin; Christian Gravert, who leads corporate health management at the Deutsche Bahn; and Nicole Pathé of the Institut für Persönlichkeitsentwicklung und Personalberatung [Institute for Personality Development and Consultancy] in Bonn.

‘These are experts in the fields of specialised medicine for musicians,’ said Rose. ‘The speeches centre on medical perspectives for managers as well as for musicians.’

Relaxation trainer and personal coach Claudia Kunze will hold a workshop on achieving a healthy work-life balance, while sports scientist Ralf Lindschulten will discuss the importance of health for music professionals.

Participants will also hear from Rolf Bolwin, director of the Deutscher Bühnenverein (German Theatre and Orchestra Association). Deutscher Orchestertag 2013 will take place in the Umweltforum Auferstehungskirche (Environmental Forum in the Church of Resurrection), near to Berlin’s Alexanderplatz.