Bernhard Kontarsky (born 23 May 1937 in Cologne, Germany) is a German conductor, pianist, and opera director. He is a member of a prominent musical family; his father, Fritz Kontarsky, was a conductor, and his brother, Heinz Kontarsky, is also a conductor and pianist.
Career
- Early work: Kontarsky began his musical training as a pianist and later studied conducting. He made his conducting debut in the 1960s at various German opera houses.
- Deutsche Oper Berlin: He served as a staff conductor at the Deutsche Oper Berlin, where he conducted a wide range of standard and contemporary repertoire.
- Contemporary opera: Kontarsky is noted for his involvement in the premieres and performances of contemporary works. He conducted the world premiere of Aribert Reimann’s opera Lear (1978) in Berlin and has been associated with productions of works by composers such as Hans Werner Henze, Wolfgang Rihm, and Luigi Nono.
- International engagements: Throughout his career, Kontarsky has conducted at major opera houses and festivals, including the Salzburg Festival, the Royal Opera House (London), and the Teatro alla Scala (Milan). He has also led performances with orchestras such as the Berlin Philharmonic and the London Symphony Orchestra.
- Stage direction: In addition to conducting, Kontarsky has taken on operatic stage direction, often collaborating closely with directors to shape modern productions.
Teaching and mentorship
Kontarsky has held professorial positions and conducted master classes, mentoring young conductors and musicians. He has been associated with institutions such as the Hochschule für Musik und Tanz Köln.
Awards and recognition
- Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany: Received for his contributions to German musical life.
- Various industry honors for his work in contemporary opera, though specific award titles are not comprehensively documented in public sources.
Personal life
Bernhard Kontarsky remains active in the classical music community, occasionally appearing as a guest conductor and consultant for new productions. His longevity in the field has made him a significant figure in the promotion of 20th‑century and contemporary opera.
