Saxophonist and composer Theresia Philipp has been appointed as the new artistic director of the Bundesjazzorchester (Bujazzo). With immediate effect, she and Niels Klein will jointly shape the musical direction of the renowned young ensemble, which is sponsored by the German Music Council. Their contract will initially run for four years, during which Philipp will programme and conduct at least two work phases and help develop the strategic, holistic direction of the ensemble.
Theresia Philipp, born in 1991 in Saxony and living in Cologne, is an established figure on the German jazz scene. She studied at the Cologne University of Music and Dance and the Mannheim University of Music and Performing Arts. Philipp is active as a saxophonist and composer in her own projects such as "pollon" and "Seeds of Sweat". She has been a lecturer at the Cologne University of Music and Dance since 2020. "I'm looking forward to shaping Bujazzo artistically over the next few years and promoting young talent," says Philipp. "In addition to the musical work, a holistic approach is particularly important to me. The music and big band line-up should be familiarised with its entire spectrum, connect and always be close to people. Aspects such as musicians' health and collaborations with various artists are important to me."
Around 30 personalities from four countries applied for the position, and Theresia Philipp's musical and pedagogical ideas and holistic approach won over the jury: "We are delighted to have Theresia Philipp, a young, energetic and artistically renowned personality, on our team. As a former Bujazzo member, Theresia knows both the internal and external perception of the ensemble. At the same time, she represents a modern, contemporary approach with which we believe we can continue to develop the ensemble for the future. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Ansgar Striepens for the great collaboration over the last few years," says Henning Vetter, project manager of the Bundesjazzorchester.