Symphonic Wind Orchestra
The Symphonic Wind Orchestra of the Academy of Music Hanns Eisler Berlin has been one of the staple ensembles within the framework of the Academy's education concept since 2002. It is directed by Prof. Thomas Clamor. Scholars of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestral Academy are regular guests. The Symphonic Wind Orchestra performs in the Academy concert hall and in the Philharmonie.
"Our intention is to revive the old tradition of the symphonic wind orchestra at a high level with appropriate classical repertoire, and also to counter the still partially existing prejudice that results in wind orchestras being branded - usually unjustly - as folkloristic.... Since the technical and musical demands on all instrumental groups are very high, depending on the repertoire, and ensemble playing is required, I believe the symphonic wind orchestra effectively complements and supports the work of the Academy Orchestra. After our first good experiences with the Hansel and Gretel in December 2002, I hope to be able to offer interesting programmes for pupils of music-oriented schools in the future, in order to do something, if only a little, for this important area of music education".
Prof. Thomas Clamor
The orchestra’s repertoire spans the baroque to the present day. With individual projects the orchestra orients itself particularly towards schools with a particular interest in music. Examples are the performance of ”Hansel and Gretel” by Engelbert Humperdinck in an arrangement for brass, percussion and speaker, or a version of Sergei Prokofiev’s ”Peter and the Wolf” for symphonic wind orchestra – a wonderful work with which to introduce classical instruments to children.As well as attending the concert, children can participate in final rehearsals by arrangement. In this way they experience an exciting step in the musical work process. There is also the possibility of cooperation projects with individual schools.
Eisler Brass
Eisler Brass, a large brass ensemble with percussion, is like the Symphonic Wind Orchestra a permanent fixture for brass players at the Academy of Music Hanns Eisler Berlin. Working and making music in chamber music formats is an important element in a musician’s training. Eisler Brass offers all students of the brass classes the opportunity to acquaint themselves with a wide repertoire of pieces from different periods and for various formations. The public also enjoys the numerous stylistic possibilities shown in concerts by the brass and percussion players. The ensemble is directed by Prof. Thomas Clamor and gives regular concerts in the Academy’s Studiosaal and Krönungskutschen-Saal.
Prof. Thomas Clamor was born in Minden/ Westphalia and studied trumpet and drums at the Nordwestdeutsche Musikakademie Detmold. From 1985 he was a member of the opera and museums orchestra in Frankfurt/ Main, and since 1986 he has been with the Berlin Philharmonic. He has performed widely as soloist and as a member of well-known ensembles and has given concerts in Europa, Asia, USA and South America. Numerous radio, TV and CD recordings document his work. He has worked with important youth orchestras, e.g. as trumpet and chamber music tutor for the Gustav-Mahler-Jugendorchester under Claudio Abbado. Since 2002 Thomas Clamor has worked with children and youth under the auspices of the social-cultural foundation of Venezuela, directed by José Antonio Abreu. In 2003 he founded the Venezuelan Brass Ensemble as part of the first Latin American Brass Academy. He has taught chamber music at the Orchestral Academy of the Berlin Philharmonic, the Detmold Academy of Music and the Franz Liszt Academy of Music in Weimar. Since 2001 he has been honorary professor at the Academy of Music in Shanghai and guest professor for orchestral studies and trumpet at the Academy of Music Hanns Eisler Berlin. Since 2002 he has been conductor of the newly founded Symphonic Wind Orchestra of the Academy of Music Hanns Eisler Berlin.