Hansjörg Schellenberger Appointed Artistic Director and Chairman of Classic Winds International Competition 2027
The Classic Winds International Competition is honoured to announce the appointment of Hansjörg Schellenberger as Artistic Director and Chairman of its fifth edition, to be held in Vienna in 2027.
Widely recognized as one of the leading musical personalities of his generation, Hansjörg Schellenberger brings to Classic Winds an exceptional international career spanning performance, conducting, artistic leadership, recording, and pedagogy.
Best known for his distinguished tenure as Principal Oboist of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, Schellenberger has earned worldwide acclaim not only as a celebrated soloist, but also as a conductor of remarkable versatility, a chamber musician, recording artist, and highly respected educator.
His artistic path has always extended beyond the traditional boundaries of instrumental performance. Having studied conducting with the legendary Jan Koetsier, while simultaneously pursuing advanced musical studies — alongside an academic background in mathematics — Schellenberger developed a unique multidisciplinary approach that would shape his expansive artistic career.
Over decades of collaboration with major orchestras, close engagement with repertoire, and profound score analysis from both the stage and orchestra pit, he built a second internationally acclaimed career as conductor and musical leader.
Among the prestigious ensembles he has conducted are the Camerata Salzburg, Spanish National Orchestra, Orchestra Verdi Milano, Orchestra della Svizzera Italiana, and the German Radio Philharmonic Saarbrücken Kaiserslautern. His interpretations have been praised for their transparency, refinement, and musical intelligence.
In 2013, Schellenberger was appointed Principal Conductor of the Okayama Philharmonic Orchestra in Japan, a partnership marked by exceptional artistic success and repeatedly extended collaboration. Since the 2021/22 season, he has served as Chief Conductor and Artistic Director of the Berliner Symphoniker.
A deeply committed educator, Schellenberger has taught since 2000 at the prestigious Escuela Superior de Música Reina Sofía in Madrid, where he leads a highly selective oboe studio and chamber music programs under the patronage of the Queen of Spain and the support of the Fundación Albéniz.
His artistic activity also includes a longstanding chamber music partnership with renowned harpist Margit-Anna Süß. Their acclaimed duo performances and international tours have introduced audiences across Europe and Asia to rare and distinctive repertoire.
As a recording artist, Schellenberger has appeared on more than fifty recordings with leading international labels. He is also founder of his own imprint, Campanella Musica, dedicated to repertoire ranging from C.P.E. Bach, Haydn, Beethoven, and French Baroque masters to contemporary composers.
As Artistic Director and Chairman of Classic Winds 2027, Hansjörg Schellenberger will play a central role in shaping the competition’s artistic vision, international profile, and commitment to excellence, helping guide the next generation of outstanding wind musicians.
His appointment marks an exciting new chapter for Classic Winds International Competition, reinforcing its position among the leading international platforms for emerging wind talent.
