Prof. Florian Ludwig

Hochschule für Musik in Detmold

Since 2015, Florian Ludwig has held a professorship in orchestral conducting at the Hochschule für Musik in Detmold. In September 2025, he will also assume the position of Chief Conductor of the Vogtlandphilharmonie.
A student of Hermann Michael in Munich, Ludwig embarked on a traditional Kapellmeister career that led him to several German municipal theatres. Following posts at the Nationaltheater Mannheim and Theater Bremen — where, first as Second and from 2003 as First Kapellmeister, he played a key role in the theatre’s artistic successes under the directorship of Klaus Pierwoß — he served as General Music Director of Hagen from 2008 to 2017. There, he significantly raised the orchestra’s profile and popularity both regionally and nationally. His imaginative programming and the stylistic and artistic development of the Philharmonic Orchestra Hagen were honoured in 2014/15 by the Association of German Music Publishers with the award for the Best Annual Programme among all orchestras in the German-speaking world.
From 2020 to 2022, Ludwig was Interim General Music Director of the Philharmonic Orchestra and Stadttheater Gießen, where, during the pandemic, he brought a widely acclaimed concert performance of Tristan und Isolde to the stage.
He has conducted concerts and opera productions at numerous theatres and orchestras across Germany and neighbouring countries, and since 2019 has enjoyed an ongoing collaboration with the Chamber Opera Rheinsberg.
In his role as professor, Ludwig leads a highly regarded and successful conducting class in Detmold. Even before his appointment, mentoring young conductors and passing on his experience was a vital part of his artistic life. In his teaching, he guides students to translate their artistic vision and interpretative ideas into a clear, inspiring baton technique, coupled with open, respectful communication with the orchestra. He sees himself as a collegial mentor to the next generation of conductors.
Ludwig’s repertoire is marked by breadth and a keen openness to the new and unfamiliar. He is deeply committed to imaginative concepts for audience engagement and to forging strong connections between stage and listeners.
“Music can transcend boundaries and dissolve language barriers. It creates unity where once there was division. Its social significance today is greater than ever.” – Florian Ludwig