Michael Schnwandt

Michael Detlev Schønwandt, born on September 10, 1953, in Frederiksberg, Denmark, is a renowned Danish conductor. He began his musical studies in Denmark, focusing on piano, theory, and composition, before continuing his education at the Royal Academy of Music in London. Schønwandt's career spans several significant roles, including serving as the permanent conductor for the Royal Opera in Copenhagen from 1979. From 2000 to 2011, he was the Music Director of both the Royal Danish Orchestra and the Copenhagen Opera House. He is particularly noted for his work with contemporary opera, conducting world premiere productions such as Poul Ruders' *The Handmaid’s Tale* and *Dancer in the Dark*. Additionally, he led performances of Richard Wagner's *Der Ring des Nibelungen* for the Royal Opera, released on DVD by Decca. Throughout his career, Schønwandt held various principal positions, including guest conductor roles at Théâtre National de La Monnaie from 1984 to 1987 and with the Danish National Symphony Orchestra until 2000. He also served as chief conductor of the Berliner Sinfonie-Orchester from 1992 to 1998. In 2009, he became principal conductor of the Netherlands Radio Chamber Philharmonic, a role he held until the orchestra's dissolution in 2013. Since 2015, Schønwandt has been the principal conductor of the Opéra Orchestre National de Montpellier. Schønwandt's discography includes recordings of Carl Nielsen's operas and symphonies, as well as notable works like Salome and *The Handmaid’s Tale*. He has received prestigious honors, including being named a Knight 1st Class (Ridder af 1. grad) of the Order of ...