Conductor Karl-Heinz Steffens Photo: Norrköping Symphony Orchestra (Mats Bäcker)
Karl-Heinz Steffens always knew clarinet wouldn't be enough for him.
Despite being one of Europe's finest players and eventually becoming section principal of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, Steffens always wanted to conduct.
Since moving out of the orchestra pit and onto the podium, Steffens has carved out a successful career directing orchestras around the world, including becoming principal conductor of Sweden's Norrköping Symphony Orchestra.
RNZ Concert's Bryan Crump spoke with Steffens ahead of his second concert directing the Auckland Philharmonia later this week.
Conductor Karl-Heinz Steffens Photo: Susanne Diesner
Last year, he jumped in at short notice to direct the Philharmonia in Bruckner's monumental 9th Symphony when illness forced the conductor initially assigned the job to cancel.
It seems Auckland made a great impression on the Berlin-based musician, who told RNZ he loved its combination of urban lifestyle and closeness to nature.
In this trip, he's already made a visit to Waiheke Island - maybe it'll be the Waitakere Ranges next.
A great place for a conductor from Berlin to visit. Photo: 123RF
