Hedwig Fassbender
Hedwig Fassbender, Chairwoman – Germany
Known for her compelling stage-presence and powerful musicianship, Hedwig Fassbender has recently distinguished herself in the roles of Herodias (Salome), and particularly Kostelnička (Jenůfa). After studying piano in Cologne, she began vocal studies in Munich with Ernst Haefliger.
In 1982, she was hired by the Freiburg Theatre, followed by Basel. From then on, she starting appearing as mezzo-soprano on some of the greatest European stages. In 1997, she oriented her career towards a more dramatic repertoire, with roles such as Judit, Baba the turk, Carmen, Fricka, Mère Marie, Mescalina, etc. Her 2001 success as Isolde in Saarbrücken led her to approach several roles as soprano. She has recently appeared in Zurich as Mrs Grose (The Turn of the Screw), in Frankfurt in Der Goldene Drache by Peter Eötvös, in Nantes as Mère Marie and in Hannover as Kostelnička.
She has collaborated with renowned conductors (Chailly, Jordan, Jurowski, Petrenko, Fischer) and stage directors (Kupfer, Carsen, Strosser, Pelly). Her recordings include Isolde under the direction of Leif Segerstam and a CD with Strauss’ Lieder, both of which received very positive reviews.
Ms. Fassbender has been voice Professor at the Frankfurt Hochschule since 1999. She directed the faculty from 2001 until 2011, during which it received the price for Excellency in innovative teaching method from the state of Hessen. Much sought after as a teacher and pedagogue, she gives many masterclasses. She regularly works at the Opera Studio in Zurich, as well as in Paris and Moscow.