Association of Trustees
Münchner Symphoniker e.V. - More than Tradition
The orchestra was founded by Kurt Graunke in September 1945, making it the first ensemble to appear regularly in Munich after World War II. Its first public performance took place at the Prinzregententheater as a benefit for the Red Cross. The Kurt-Graunke-Orchestra, as it was known at the time, played a decisive role in post-war Munich, offering the full spectrum from classical concerts to high-level entertainment. One focus has always been on the film music genre. This tradition of an enormous musical range and artistic curiosity still characterizes the orchestra today. The legally responsible association Kurt-Graunke-Orchester e.V. was founded in 1975 and changed its name in 1989 – since then, the orchestra has been known as “Münchner Symphoniker” (Munich Symphony Orchestra) and the sponsoring association has been Münchner Symphoniker e.V.
Currently consisting of six members, the board of the association Münchner Symphoniker e.V. takes fundamental decisions together with the management and the artistic director of the orchestra.
Executive Members of the Board
Dr. Ulrich Wastl,
Chairman of the Board
Partner, Westpfahl Spilker Wastl, Attorneys
“Supporting the Munich Symphony Orchestra is simply ‘mega’ (a term used by my son, who is also well familiar with the orchestra by now). The orchestra, its crossover projects, its musical professionalism and its striving for continuous improvement… what further motivation could be needed to support them? Last but not least, an impressive chief conductor and a new general manager, who could be no better choice for the glorious future of this beautiful orchestra ... The fact, how passionated they both are and how much care they take for their musicians, has strengthened us in our volunteer commitment on behalf of the orchestra. In summary: keep up your wonderful work, then I will find it almost impossible to ever end my volunteering on your behalf!”
Dr. Otmar Bernhard
Member of the Bavarian Parliament | former Minister of State
“The Munich Symphony Orchestra is an outstanding musical and cultural highlight in Munich, Bavaria and beyond. The orchestra has achieved a very high artistic standard and its excellent quality is generally acknowledged. That is why I support, accompany and assist this orchestra.”
Dr. Thomas Goppel
Member of the Bavarian Parliament | former Minister of State
“Munich’s orchestra scene is large, rich and diverse. The orchestral sector offers anything the heart desires and the variety offered is (almost) endless. Whether there is something for every taste? That is a personal, individual decision. My opinion – and I find it convincing: the Munich Symphony Orchestra presents itself as Munich’s most ‘local’ orchestra, whose typical championing of the ‘metropolis on the Isar’ is also reflected by its international cast of musicians – Munich at its best! Every concert is worthwhile. All support finds its mark. It would be a great shame if we did not have this orchestra ‘on board’ (in the concert hall)!”
Klaudia Martini
Lawyer, manager, politician | former Minister of State
“The Munich Symphony Orchestra is a vibrant, uncomplicated and musically versatile orchestra! Its repertoire ranges from classical to musicals, and it is open to musical experiments! In the same way, our city of Munich is diverse and traditional at the same time.
Therefore, the slogan ‘The Sound of our City’ hits the nail on the head.
As a customer of our Stadtsparkasse, I made the orchestra’s closer acquaintance following an invitation, and since then, I have been an active member of the association for many years, first as a regular member, now as a member of the board.
I am delighted at the wonderful musical development the orchestra has taken under our chief conductor, Maestro Edusei, and our new artistic director, Tilman Dost, I wish our orchestra all the best – and the enthusiastic, faithful and new audience it deserves!!!”
Christoph B. Schenk
Managing Partner, Deloitte
“Music is indeed the universal language of human kind. It overcomes boundaries and times, enriches and touches people no matter which culture, comes from the heart and let's us join in on passion and artistic devotion. This is why it is my big pleasure to companion and support this wonderful orchestra as member of their Association of Trustees.“
Harald Strötgen
Former Chairman of the Board of the Stadtsparkasse München
“The Munich Symphony Orchestra’s work reflects the cultural diversity of Munich: innovative concerts, intriguing venues and new partners awaiting discovery. This requires active engagement, and that is why I support this orchestra with heart and soul.”