Prof. Ulf Bästlein
Bass-Baritone
First studied classical philology and German language and literature (state examination and doctorate), then studied singing in Freiburg (concert examination with distinction). Doctoral Fellow of the German National Academic Foundation
Beginning of stage career at the Stadttheater Heidelberg. Since then engagements in Augsburg, Hannover, Lübeck, Hamburg etc. Numerous prizes (including 2nd prize German Music Competition).
Sang in many European countries, China, USA, Turkey and is a frequent guest at various international music festivals (including Flanders Music Festival (Belgium), Festival of Stresa (Italy), Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival, Rheingau Music Festival, Styriarte (Austria), Ludwigsburg Schlossfestspiele, Herrenchiemsee Festival. Recitals with Charles Spencer, Michael Gees, James Tocco, Julius Drake, Axel Bauni, Detlef Kraus and Sascha El Mouissi.
Many CD recordings: among others with Heine, Goethe, Storm, Hebbel, Voß, Trakl and Leitner settings. Winterreise, Dichterliebe, Weinlieder. Participation in oratorio and opera recordings for Sony Classical, CPO, Orfeo, Hänssler, etc.
Professorship at the University of Music Lübeck and at the University of Music and Performing Arts Graz. Currently also head of the artistic-scientific doctoral school at the University of Music Graz
Conducts regular masterclasses in China, Russia, Turkey and Italy
2000: Founding of the “Liedkunst” in Husum (Schleswig-Holstein, in collaboration with the pianist Charles Spencer). Within the framework of this song festival: promotion of young talents on a high level (‘Master Class’ and “Competition with Award Ceremonies”), internationally recognized concerts
Publisher: Anselm Hüttenbrenner Songs. author of publications on the German Lied in the early 19th century and on artistic-scientific research
Development of new concert formats: literary-historical-musical-historical panel discussions, recitation and song recital in interaction
2018: Awarded the Hans-Momsen-Prize, Honorary Award of the County of North Frisia.
2021: Order of Merit (the highest award of the state of Schleswig-Holstein) for extraordinary services to cultural life in Schleswig-Holstein
You can find more information about Ulf Bästlein on his homepage: http://ulf-baestlein.eu
Prof. Charles Spencer
Pianist
The pianist Charles Spencer was born in Yorkshire (England).
He studied with Max Pirani (Royal Academy of Music in London), Walter Fleischmann, Noel Flores and Robert Schollum. He also attended master classes with Vlado Perlemutter and Geoffrey Parsons.
He graduated with honors from the University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna and received the Austrian Federal Government’s Promotion Award for Artistic Achievement.
Charles Spencer is one of the most internationally sought-after piano accompanists of our time. Concerts with the most renowned vocal soloists (including Christa Ludwig, Gundula Janowitz, Jessye Norman, Thomas Quasthoff, Peter Schreier, Elina Garanca, Vesselina Kasarova) take him to the most important centers of international concert life.
Numerous photographs document the breadth of his artistic work and have been awarded coveted prizes.
Since the winter semester of 2000, Charles Spencer has been Professor of Lied Interpretation at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna.
