Artistic-academic centre in the spirit of Franz Liszt

Activities and aims

When the Franz-Liszt-Centre (FLZ) was founded in 1988, its main aim was to make the Altenburg, which had been Liszt's home during his first, ructious period at Weimar (1848–1861), inhabitable again. The 'Stadtpalais' (city residence) is a symbol of Liszt's 'New Weimar', the 'New German School': a cultural icon of great significance. For many years, the Altenburg was separated into individual flats, and was only refurbished in 1995/97 by its owner, the Weimarer Wohnstätte GmbH. This refurbishment allowed the use of the building for academic and artistic activities, truly in the spirit of Franz Liszt.

In co-operation with the floor's tenant, the LISZT SOCIETY Germany, the FLZ took on the responsibility for the piano nobile—for the historical centrepiece of the city residence. Concerts ('Soireen in der Altenburg') and other artistic and cultural events were hosted in the rooms facing the street, the 'Liszt-Salon'. Following a costly refurbishment of the interior (wallpaper in the style of the 1850s) and the installation of new soundproof double-windows, the big salon, which is created by combining the three individual salons in blue, red, and white, had provided ideal acoustics since March 2002. The concerts are currently on pause.

Supported by the ministry of culture, the LISZT SOCIETY has installed an inspiring exhibition in the neighbouring garden parlour. The Liszt research group is located in the rooms facing the courtyard. Thus, the FLZ serves artistic and academic projects in the spirit of Franz Liszt, sharing close ties with the identity of the University of Music FRANZ LISZT Weimar and the historically grown cultural sphere at Weimar. Recently, the previous residents have left the ground and second floors, and these have now also been rented by the LISZT University in order to become home for the university management and administration.

Members
Prof. Dr Wolfram Huschke – (executive) director
Rebekka Stemmler – personal assistant to the LISZT University president; deputy director
Christine Gurk – chancellor of the LISZT University; finances

Artistic projects
Cora Irsen – freelance pianist; conception of concerts with commentary at the Altenburg
Prof. Christian Wilm Müller – artistic teacher of piano and chamber music; conception of Sunday concerts at the Altenburg

Academic projects: Liszt research group
Evelyn Liepsch – Klassik Stiftung Weimar (director at the Goethe-Schiller archive)

 Public relations/Tours of the Altenburg
Dr Irina Lucke-Kaminiarz – former director of the LISZT University archive
Dr Christoph Meixner – director of the LISZT University archive