Wendelin Bitzan

Wendelin Bitzan

Musician · Researcher · Content Creator

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New Composition: SonaTine for Piano

I somehow managed to compose something again, after quite a time without any creative musical output. The product of my intermittent efforts during the second half of last year is now finally completed and engraved, leaving me with the duty of preparing it for an occasional performance—or, maybe before that, a private presentation to the person to whom it owes its existence, Tine Tl’dr, the dedicatee of this three-movement SonaTine for piano solo. To anyone else who would fancy taking a look: you may find the score at your favourite source of sheet music on the internet. As always, I will be delighted to hear your comments and appreciations.

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Resignation from Classical Music

In her recent piece for VAN Magazin, Swiss music educator and communicator Barbara Balba Weber sketches an exit strategy from the corrupted business of classical music. As she describes and analyses her change of profession, leaving behind the feudal gatekeeping system of concert halls, festivals, and music universities for a decent teaching position in a small alpine village, the author presents her personal letter of resignation from a system that has outlived itself as a cultural practice and means of artistic identification. I, for one, can relate to these feelings very strongly, and felt much inspired by this article.

»Classical music has been heavily guarded for centuries.«
»Classical music is designed so that people stay with their own kind.«

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A Symmetrical Choral Adventure

New choral performances upcoming! I will be appearing on stage with Vokalsystem Berlin again in two concerts featuring music by Johann Sebastian Bach, John Tavener, Arvo Pärt, Caroline Shaw, Pink Floyd, and Radiohead. The programme is named »Symmetries« and will present a multi-perspective crossover experience, blending influences from classical music, swing, and contemporary styles, and confronting vocal sounds with percussion, electric guitar, and organ. Join us at Martin-Luther-Kirche Neukölln on Saturday 14 February, 8 pm, or Sunday 15 February, 6 pm. Tickets are available here.

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Appearance in the Berlin House of Representatives

Earlier this week I had the opportunity of speaking in front of the Committee of Cultural Affairs in the Berlin House of Representatives. I appeared as a spokesperson for my association Tonkünstlerverband Berlin in a consultation of experts and cultural administration, discussing questions of how to fund and recruit more permanent positions on the faculty of Berlin’s public music schools. In my statement I advocated for fair payment of all persons in music education and equal treatment of teachers in state and private institutions, as well as freelance educators. Please find a link to the recording of the committee meeting here (my contributions start at timecode 51:37 and timecode 2:09:36).

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Working at Berlin Music Schools

I wrote a statement for Tonkünstlerverband Berlin on the Berlin Senate’s current employment policy at music schools. We acknowledge the coalition‘s intention to install more permanent positions at public institutions; yet the current plans will be insufficient to ensure a sustainable and comprehensive supply with instrumental and voice lessons all over the city. We speak from a differentiated perspective, taking into account that the providers of music education in Berlin are not only public music schools, but also private institutions and freelance teachers. As a professional body, we represent the interests of musicians and educators in all of these sections, and advocate for fair payment in every mode and form of work and employment. You can read the full statement here.

Happy holidays everybody, and have a good transition into the new year!🙂