New rector at the Carl Maria von Weber Academy of Music in Dresden

The Carl Maria von Weber Academy of Music in Dresden has a new rector. The 35-year-old jazz musician, composer and conductor Lars Seniuk took up his post last Friday, the school announced. "Especially in times when we are confronted with different and growing problems all over the world, music, and in particular a music academy, is of particular importance. It brings people together, can build bridges and open dialogues," Seniuk was quoted as saying.

The Extended Senate of the university elected Seniuk in May of this year on the recommendation of a selection committee. He succeeds Axel Köhler, who led the university from September 2019 to December 2023. Seniuk will be officially appointed and inaugurated at the investiture ceremony. The date has not yet been set.

After training as a classical trumpeter, Seniuk studied jazz trumpet, jazz composition and contemporary composition in Berlin and Hamburg. He is a guest composer, arranger and conductor with ensembles such as the hr-Bigband, the NDR Big Band and the WDR Big Band and is also active as a university lecturer. In 2015, he founded the association "Miteinander durch Musik", which is involved in music projects for refugee children, young people and adults throughout Germany.