Christoph von Dohnányi: NDR mourns the loss of the conductor

After the death of Christoph von Dohnányi (1928-2025), the NDR appreciates the conductor. The former chief conductor of the NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra died in Munich at the age of 95. According to a message, NDR director Hendrik Lünenborg said: “Christoph von Dohnányi was one of the most important personalities of international musical life. His death is a great loss.”

The NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra owes a lot to its former chief conductor, it is said. Christoph von Dohnányi, who headed the orchestra from 2004 to 2011, contributed to enlarging its reputation worldwide – also through the celebrated New York concerts in 2007 in Carnegie Hall and before the United Nations on the 50th anniversary of the Roman contracts, said Lünenborg. “He was a visionary and pioneer of the Elbphilharmonie, whose influence we continue to acknowledge with great gratitude and respect. Our deep sympathy applies to his family.”

Christoph von Dohnányi, who was born in Berlin in 1929, also worked in the USA, head of the renowned Cleveland Orchestra. As a guest conductor, he also came together with top international orchestras. In Hamburg, Dohnányi also worked as a chief conductor and director of the Hamburg State Opera after having previously headed the Frankfurt Opera as general music director and opera director.

Dohnányi was married three times and leaves five children, including the actor Justus von Dohnányi (64).