Siegfried Matthus

Full biography Siegfried Matthus

Siegfried Matthus was a German composer, conductor, and festival founder and manager , born on April 13, 1934, in Mallenuppen, East Prussia (now Nesterov, Russia). He passed away on August 27, 2021, in Stolzenhagen, Germany, at the age of 87. Matthus was a prolific composer who wrote over 600 musical works during his lifetime. He was celebrated for his contemporary opera compositions, which were noted for their challenging themes and complex harmonies.

Matthus studied at the Hanns Eisler Academy of Music in Berlin, where he trained in composition with Friedrich Goldmann, piano with Eliza Hansen, and conducting with Carlo Zecchi. After completing his studies, he worked as a freelance composer and conductor, and his works were regularly performed in Germany and other countries.

Matthus was known for his ability to write operas that pushed boundaries and challenged traditional notions of the genre. His works often tackled themes related to politics, censorship, and social justice. One of his most popular operas, "Judith," is a two-act production based on Friedrich Hebbel's play of the same name and texts from the Old Testament.

In addition to his work as a composer, Matthus was also involved in festival management. He founded the Potsdam Festival in 1991 and served as its artistic director until 2011. He also held various positions at other music festivals across Germany.

Matthus was a prolific teacher and mentor, and many of his students went on to become successful composers. His legacy continues to inspire musicians and music lovers around the world.