Honors for the Master: Thomas Daniel Schlee receives Gold Medal of Honor

Honors for the Master: Thomas Daniel Schlee receives Gold Medal of Honor

A significant award was recently presented to the composer Thomas Daniel Schlee from Oberwaltenreith. The Vienna-born artist received the Great Golden Medal of Honor of the State of Lower Austria, awarded by Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner. Touched by this honor, Schlee said: "I was able to spend a large part of my life in Lower Austria and can call the Waldviertel my home. For me, the Golden Medal of Honor is a sign that I belong." The award recognizes not only his musical achievements, but also his deep connection to the region.

Schlee has not only made a name for himself as a composer, but also as the director of numerous festivals. His most important positions include the artistic direction of the international Bruckner Festival in Linz and the management of the “Carinthian Summer” festival in Carinthia. The annual productions of church operas are particularly important for the deeply religious Schlee. “I have worked with many greats of contemporary music, including David Maxwell and Arvo Pärt,” remembers the 66-year-old.

Schlee's influences and his musical style

His compositional work includes a wide range of music that is regularly performed in Europe and beyond. His works are also very well received at the “Zusammenspiel” concert festival in Zwettl Abbey and during the Baroque Days in Melk Abbey. Schlee describes his style as characterized by clear rhythmic design and varied harmony. “My goal is to create music that remains expressive and does not disappear into abstraction,” he explains.

A particularly formative influence in Schlee's life was the French composer Olivier Messiaen, with whom he studied. “Messiaen was a lighthouse for all of us,” says Schlee, recalling the valuable lessons he learned in composition class in Paris. For him, music is not just a craft, but a personal dedication: “I often come up with the idea while doing everyday things, like brushing my teeth or traveling by train.” This approach has shaped him, as has his deep religiosity, which plays a central role in his life and work.

Schlee's life in the Waldviertel

His close connection to the Waldviertel is reflected in his relationship with his property in Oberwaltenreith. Schlee acquired this house after the death of his parents, who purchased it many years ago. In this quiet, picturesque landscape he draws strength for his creative work. "I love the colorfulness of the forests in all seasons. I'm often out and about and am an enthusiastic mushroom hunter," he says with a smile.

Despite his advanced age, Schlee continues to be active as a freelance composer. He is currently working on a work for Wilhering Abbey and is composing a waltz for the Vienna Merlin Ensemble, which is intended for the upcoming Johann Strauss year 2025. "The orders keep coming, which is very nice. As long as I'm needed, my life has meaning," he emphasizes.

The time when he was director seems to be behind him, as this task requires a lot of energy. Schlee now has the freedom to decide for himself when and how much he works. “I'm happy to have control over my projects and my schedule,” he concludes, emphasizing the self-determination that his long career has allowed him.

For further information about Thomas Daniel Schlee and his musical achievements, see the report on m.noen.at.