Hermann Scherchen

Hermann Scherchen, born in Berlin in 1891, was a pioneering German conductor renowned for his advocacy of contemporary music. Throughout his career, Scherchen championed the works of groundbreaking composers such as Arnold Schoenberg, Anton Webern, Alban Berg, and Edgard Varèse, often conducting their pieces without a baton. His tenure as principal conductor of the Winterthur City Orchestra from 1922 to 1950 was marked by his commitment to promoting modern music, making him a key figure in the development of 20th-century classical repertoire. Scherchen's performances were known for their excitement and idiosyncratic interpretations, spanning from Baroque masterpieces to the avant-garde compositions of his time. His influence extended beyond conducting, as he also opened an electronic music studio in Switzerland and conducted the Zurich Radio Orchestra, further cementing his legacy as a visionary in the world of classical music. Scherchen's dedication to contemporary music and his unique conducting style have left an indelible mark on the classical music landscape.