Heinrich Schütz Konservatorium Dresden

‘The founding of the City of Dresden’s independent Heinrich-Schütz-Konservatorium (HSKD) is an important step for Dresden’s largest college of music’, says Kati Kasper, hitherto managing director and acting college director of the HSKD.

The financial security means there can now be a more intensive focus on content and teaching in the HSKD’s vast range of services, and on further developing these services. ‘This commitment by the City of Dresden has boosted our team in terms of its work, and also serves as great motivation for all our activities. Sincere thanks must go to all political decision-makers and supporters, particularly the steering team led by mayor Annekatrin Klepsch, and to the Dresden City Council, for the clear political commitment to music education in our city. We would also like to thank the City of Dresden work group, and especially the Culture and Monument Protection Office, which have assisted us in our mission to become an independent company. But we would also like to thank all the volunteer supporters, such as our executive board, our general members’ meeting, the HSKD’s advisory committee, the parents’ association, all support associations, our colleagues, and the parents and students of the HSKD, without whose efforts we would not be where we are today’, adds Kasper. The HSKD, with municipal patronage, enjoys greater planning certainty as a result of stable financing.

All HSKD staff are now subject to the automatic incorporation of all collective wage agreements, i.e. the company agreement has been replaced, and there is no longer any collective bargaining between the conservatory and the trade union.

‘For Dresden, this political move is an historic, almost unique step in Germany’s music landscape. We hope this will serve as inspiration and give other municipalities the courage and patience to appreciate cultural music education, and thus protect the work of music colleges. We’re delighted to finally be part of the City of Dresden family!’ says Kati Kasper.