“I think you’re crazy, but let’s do it!” – These words from conductor Volker Wangenheim to the visionary Peter Koch led to the founding of the German National Youth Orchestra in 1969. More than fifty years have passed since then, but the orchestra’s management remains refreshingly unconventional.
Since 2004, Sönke Lentz, the orchestra’s General Manager, has made the impossible possible, arranging foreign tours, visa applications, harp transports, crossover projects, last-minute funding, or publicity brochures in three languages. Working with him are Elena Hestermann, Annika Meier, Sabine Siemon, Judith Hering and Annette Börger, as well as two volunteer apprentices. As part of the German Music Council, their offices are in the Council’s “House of Culture” in Bonn.
Sönke Lentz | General Manager
Elena Hestermann | tour management
Annika Meier | orchestra management
Sabine Siemon | public relations
Judith Hering | public relations
Annette Börger | foundation marketing & project development
Friederike Menke | volunteer apprentices
Julius Weigele | volunteer apprentices
