Is Ilona Schmiel moving from Zurich to Berlin?

In August 2028, one of the most prestigious positions in the music world will become vacant: Andrea Zietschmann, artistic director of the Berlin Philharmonic, will let her contract expire at that time. As has now come to light, there appears to be a clear front-runner to succeed her: Ilona Schmiel, who has headed the Tonhalle Society in Zurich for the past 12 years. Rumors to that effect have been gaining traction, the website reports this week backstageclassical.com.

The website names Olaf Manninger, currently the Philharmonic's media director, as another possible candidate. However, according to informed sources, Schmiel is in the strongest position.

What does the Tonhalle’s artistic director herself have to say about this? In response to a query from the Schweizer Musikzeitung, Schmiel issued the following statement through a spokeswoman: «The claim that she will be joining the Berlin Philharmonic is a media rumor.»

The timing for a change seems right

At the very least, that’s not a denial, and the fact is: The timing for a change of direction seems right. Schmiel’s current contract in Zurich, just like that of chief conductor Paavo Järvi, runs for five years until 2029. The last extension was approved in 2022; following this pattern, the next one would be due in 2027. The coming months would therefore be an opportune time to set a change in motion. In addition, Schmiel may no longer be able to take her previously strong position in Zurich for granted in the future. The reason for this is the Tonhalle’s financial losses in recent years. Reportedly, the structures that grant the artistic director a great deal of power are now under scrutiny as a result.

In Berlin, however, the situation is also complicated. The Philharmonie is set to undergo extensive renovations starting in 2032. This will require a temporary venue; the former Tempelhof Airport is being discussed in particular. However, until binding decisions are made, it is unlikely that a new artistic director will commit to the position. The difficult coalition negotiations for a new government in the German capital also represent a certain element of uncertainty.

An extremely self-assured orchestra

The Berlin Philharmonic is also regarded as an exceptionally self-assured orchestra. Institutionally, they have secured so much say in all artistic and administrative matters that it inevitably limits management’s room to maneuver: the artistic director can hardly take any action against the will of the orchestra members.

Of course, the job is still extremely prestigious—comparable, perhaps, only to another position for which a new candidate is currently being sought: the directorship of the Gewandhaus in Leipzig. However, it seems out of the question that Ilona Schmiel could also be a candidate for the top position in Leipzig. The management consultant Peter Gartiser is in charge of the selection process there. And he, in turn, is also Ilona Schmiel’s partner.