about

Georg Köhler gained international attention as a prizewinner of the 2023 Mahler Competition, following a two-season tenure as Assistant Conductor of the Orchestre National d'Île-de-France—a position extended beyond its standard term at the musicians' request. His work has since included engagements with Staatskapelle Dresden, Münchner Symphoniker, Turku Philharmonic, Philharmonisches Orchester Erfurt, and others. The 2025–26 season saw Georg conduct a wide range of programs, including opera, ballet, and concert works. Featured repertoire ranged from Schubert and Britten to living composers like Sivan Eldar, with prominent debuts including orchestras such as SWR Symphonieorchester, Jenaer Philharmonie, and Kärntner Sinfonieorchester Klagenfurt. He also made his first appearance at Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia in Valencia, and returned to Sinfonieorchester Basel and Orchestra della Svizzera italiana. Georg studied at the universities of Stuttgart and Zurich, where he graduated from the class of Prof. Johannes Schlaefli with distinction. Additional formative influences include masterclasses with Bernard Haitink, Esa-Pekka Salonen and David Zinman. Georg’s leadership is characterized by responsiveness and presence, guided by attentive listening rather than premeditation. Beyond the podium, his curiosity includes audience relations, viewing each performance as a shared exploration. His work reflects the recognition that gesture, sound, and listening are not separate events, but shades in a single continuum.