Tabea Zimmermann (viola recital)

Tabea Zimmermann is a versatile musician celebrated as a soloist, chamber performer, and educator. She nurtures talent, fosters collaboration, and serves as president of various foundations, commissioning new works. While the viola is central to her career, Zimmermann’s diverse roles reflect her broad influence, from concert experience to social responsibility. “A long-standing wish is now fulfilled: I can help shape content,” she says. Zimmermann gained fame early, debuting at 11 at the Berlin Philharmonie. Successes in international competitions (1982-1984) propelled her to prominence. At 21, she became Germany’s youngest professor, teaching at the University of Music Saarland. After roles in Frankfurt and Berlin, she returned to the Frankfurt University of Music in 2023, sharing her passion at the Kronberg Academy and through masterclasses. Zimmermann’s focus on contemporary music stemmed from limited traditional viola repertoire. She premiered works by composers like György Ligeti, Wolfgang Rihm, and Heinz Holliger, influencing classical interpretations through engagement with modern pieces. She values quality over quantity, limiting performances to 50 annually and emphasizing chamber music, collaborating with artists such as Jörg Widmann and the Belcea Quartet. She also leads orchestral projects, emphasizing egalitarian collaboration. A sought-after partner for orchestras and festivals, Zimmermann has held residencies with renowned ensembles, including the Berlin Philharmonic and Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra. In 2022, the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra named her Artistic Partner. As president of the Swiss Hindemith Foundation, she promotes Hindemith’s legacy, including a celebrated recording of his viola works. Recognized with numerous honors, she received honorary membership from the German Music Council in 2023. Since 2023, Zimmermann chairs the Ernst von Siemens Music Foundation, promoting contemporary music. Her David Shallon Foundation supports intercultural music projects like "Lebensmelodien," reviving Jewish Holocaust-era music. Dedicated to societal impact, Zimmermann sees music as a tool for reflection and progress, earning awards like the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany.