Imaginative Leader
Former rector of the University of Weimar, Prof. Rolf-Dieter Arens, celebrated his 80th birthday
On Sunday, 16 February, Prof. Rolf-Dieter Arens, the long-standing rector of the University of Music FRANZ LISZT Weimar, celebrated his 80th birthday. ‘His’ university warmly congratulates its former rector and wishes him continued good health and artistic vigour. Piano professor Rolf-Dieter Arens served as rector of the Weimar Music University from 2001 to 2010, succeeding Prof. Dr. Christoph Stölzl and Prof. Anne-Kathrin Lindig.
‘I sincerely wish my colleague Rolf-Dieter Arens all the best, especially good health, so that he can live and enjoy his many concerts and masterclasses around the world, his ideas and his passion for music,’ said Prof. Anne-Kathrin Lindig in her congratulations.
One of the milestones of his work was the founding of the NEUE LISZT STIFTUNG, which Rolf-Dieter Arens launched together with the then chairman of the university council, Georg Krupp, in October 2006. In doing so, he laid the foundation for a generous scholarship system to support talented young musicians studying in Weimar. The programme enables them, for example, to take part in international competitions and masterclasses.
Arens also played a major role in the organisation and success of the major themed year celebrating the 200th birthday of the university's patron Franz Liszt in 2011. ‘Clever and imaginative’ was how Arens and former rector Prof. Wolfram Huschke had managed to shape the Liszt year, praised his successor in the office of president, Prof. Dr. Christoph Stölzl.
Furthermore, Rolf-Dieter Arens provided the impetus for the founding of the Young Philharmonic Orchestra Jerusalem Weimar, whose first project phase in 2011 fell within the term of office of his successor, but had been conceived by Arens in advance. And even after his retirement, his commitment remained tireless: as the long-standing artistic director of the International FRANZ LISZT Piano Competition Weimar-Bayreuth and as a member of the board of trustees of the NEW LISZT FOUNDATION WEIMAR, Rolf-Dieter Arens remained closely connected to his university. From 2011, he also served as president of the Leipzig Cultural Foundation.
[17.02.2025]