Johannes Knapp steps down
Johannes Knapp, Artistic Director of the Collegium Novum Zurich since September 2019, will leave his post at the end of the year at his own request.
The Collegium Novum Zurich writes: Under the direction of Johannes Knapp, curator, cultural manager and cellist, the "Zürcher Ensemble für Gegenwartsmusik has reacted agilely to the corona-related restrictions and actively shaped change. The ensemble has tried out unconventional venues, including a power station, church cloisters and even a swimming pool, with considerable audience success. A streaming partnership with the Idagio Global Concert Hall brought the 25-piece ensemble new audiences. Knapp also set fresh accents with performative approaches. In addition, he succeeded in strengthening the ensemble's network in Zurich and internationally and gaining a number of new cooperation partners."
Oliver Adler, President of the Collegium Novum Zurich Association: "On behalf of all ensemble members, the board and the audience, I would like to thank Johannes Knapp for his tireless commitment. With a healthy mix of clear vision and pragmatism, he has initiated innovative and high-quality projects and ensured that the ensemble can master the challenges of the pandemic in the best possible way."
Ensemble members Matthias Arter, oboe, and Susanne Peters, flute, will take over as artistic directors ad interim. Knapp, who was elected artistic director of the CNZ in May 2019, will remain associated with the ensemble in an advisory capacity.
