Beneath this classicist facade beats a vibrant heart of music. You are now standing in front of the Musikschule Johann Adam Hiller. It is a place where melodies are born and musical dreams take flight.
The Musikschule Johann Adam Hiller in Görlitz is more than just a building. It’s a testament to the city’s rich cultural heritage. Named after the composer and Kapellmeister Johann Adam Hiller, the school has been a cornerstone of musical education in Görlitz for decades.
The school’s history stretches back to June 14, 1939. On this day, the Lausitzer Konservatorium was handed over. The Städtische Musikschule Görlitz was opened. In 1951, the Volksmusikschule was re-established. It found its home within the walls of the 10th Oberschule.
The Musikschule Johann Adam Hiller fostered connections beyond borders. Since 1963, the school has maintained relations with Poland and Czechia. This led to the creation of a German-Polish friendship orchestra ten years later.
In 1977, the school expanded its horizons by establishing a dance music department. The Musikschule Johann Adam Hiller took on a pioneering role. In 1970, it became a leader in early musical education in the GDR.
The spirit of collaboration continued to flourish. The Europera Orchestra was founded in 1992. In 1996, the Städtische Musikschule became a registered association. The Musikschule Johann Adam Hiller e. V. Görlitz became the supporting association. Octavian Ursu is currently the chairman of the association.
“tutti pro” is an orchestra partnership that began in 2009. It connected the Neue Lausitzer Philharmonie and the German-Polish Youth Symphony Orchestra. Since 2002, the Musikschule Johann Adam Hiller has hosted the international piano competition Görlitz / Zgorzelec.
Many talented musicians have passed through its doors. Eberhard Weise founded the Jazz-Orchester Eberhard Weise in 1957 with other alumni. Sinfonietta Meridiana is a 32-member classical orchestra formed by former students. Maria Frenzel-Weiner started the amateur ensemble Niederschlesisches Kammerorchester Görlitz in 1964. It included Polish musicians. The ensemble had several radio appearances on Rundfunk der DDR. Jan Paul Nagel, a Sorbian composer, also taught here. Thomas Stapel, a composer, conductor, and lyricist, has been the director since 2019.
The Musikschule Johann Adam Hiller continues to shape the musical landscape. It provides musical education. It supports amateur music-making. The school is located at Fischmarkt 6. Thomas Stapel leads the Musikschule Johann Adam Hiller e. V.