Jochen Rieder from Herxheim: On tour of Europe with Kaufmann!

Jochen Rieder from Herxheim: On tour of Europe with Kaufmann!

Jochen Rieder, a remarkable conductor from Herxheim in the southern Palatinate, has made a name for himself. After an impressive career as a conductor in cities such as Karlsruhe, Bremen and Zurich, he is now one of the most sought-after conductors in the world. He is currently at the helm of the German State Philharmonic and is touring Europe with the renowned tenor Jonas Kaufmann, presenting works by Puccini. This return to the State Philharmonic is of great importance to him, as it is not just about the music, but also about the connection to his roots.

In a recent interview, Rieder was asked about his last encounter with the State Philharmonic. “I conducted the Ludwigshafen Orchestra for the first time in 2018,” he shares. These experiences in Ludwigshafen and the skills he learned from his time in various cities shaped him and brought him to this international stage.

His journey to world class

Rieder has earned a place in the international music scene through his tireless dedication to music and a deep understanding of conducting. For him, working with the German State Philharmonic is a return to his beginnings. This symbiosis of home and global success is rare and shows how career paths can develop.

He also reflects on the challenges that come with his career. The pressure of directing international performances and meeting high expectations is a constant companion. Nevertheless, he sees these challenges as more of an incentive than a burden. “Every performance is an opportunity to create something new,” says Rieder with a smile.

An important aspect of his conducting work is working with talented soloists. Jonas Kaufmann, with whom he is currently on tour, is considered one of the best tenors of today. “The energy that arises between us on stage is indescribable,” says Rieder, describing the atmosphere during their joint performances. This synergy helps create an unforgettable experience for the audience.

Puccini's music is particularly important for Rieder because it conveys great emotion and depth. “Puccini’s works are like a conversation between the musicians and the audience,” he explains. This philosophy that he incorporates into his work helps him create a deeper connection with the musicians and the listeners.

The meaning of return

The current European tour with the German State Philharmonic is not only a highlight in Rieder's career, but is also an opportunity to honor his roots. It is one of the many projects that represent different cultural backgrounds in music and promote awareness of the importance of classical music in today's society.

Rieder's commitment to music and art has taken him to numerous opera houses and concert halls around the world. These experiences made him the person and musician he is today. The combination of traditional knowledge with modern interpretations is one of its greatest strengths.

The opportunity to perform in cities where he began his career fills him with pride. “It’s like a homecoming that allows me to bring my experiences and learnings back here,” says Rieder. This return to the State Philharmonic is more than a professional obligation – it is part of his identity as an artist.

Through this exchange between his origins and the global music scene, Jochen Rieder shows that music is a universal language that can create connections and unite cultures. Further information and insights into his career as well as his current performances can be found in a detailed report on www.rheinpfalz.de.