Leonhard Kreutzmann

Conductor

Leonhard Kreutzmann is a conductor who believes that meaningful music making begins with listening. He approaches conducting not as an exercise of authority, but as a collaborative process rooted in trust, attentiveness, and a shared commitment to the music itself. Particularly drawn to the German Classical and Early Romantic repertoire, he seeks to create performances that combine emotional immediacy, stylistic integrity, and a sense of discovery, allowing familiar works to speak with renewed freshness and relevance.

Currently serving as Chief Conductor of the KHG Orchestra Freiburg, Leonhard is a scholarship recipient of the German Music Council's Forum Dirigieren programme and is pursuing master's studies in conducting at the Zurich University of the Arts with Christoph-Mathias Mueller and Johannes Schlaefli. In 2025, he was among the finalists of the Donatella Flick Conducting Competition, appearing with the London Symphony Orchestra and gaining wider international recognition.

His work encompasses both symphonic and operatic repertoire with professional and student ensembles. Careful preparation forms the foundation of his artistic approach, combining intensive score study with an interest in the historical, stylistic, and human contexts from which music emerges. Assistantships, including his work with Dirk Kaftan and the Beethoven Orchestra Bonn, have further deepened his understanding of orchestral life, rehearsal processes, and artistic leadership.

Leonhard is particularly interested in creating meaningful entry points into classical music for new audiences. Through thoughtful programming, spoken introductions, and innovative concert formats, he seeks to make the richness of the repertoire accessible without compromising its depth or complexity. At the heart of his work is the conviction that great music is not a historical artifact, but a living art form capable of inspiring connection, reflection, and wonder across generations.


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