Outstanding contributions to the University
Former rector Wolfram Huschke celebrates his 80th birthday on Saturday
The former rector and honorary senator of the Franz Liszt University of Music Weimar, Prof. Dr. Wolfram Huschke, will celebrate his 80th birthday on Saturday, April 18, 2026. He served as rector of the Weimar Music University from 1993 to 2001. During his two terms in office, he played a key role in consolidating the university’s campuses scattered throughout the city, renovating the historic buildings, and reclaiming the Streichhan Barracks as the university’s new center at the Horn. Under his leadership, the university’s structure was modernized, numerous new professorships were created, and the financial, personnel, and structural frameworks were reorganized.
Furthermore, Wolfram Huschke distinguished himself as the author of historical volumes on the history of the Staatskapelle Weimar, the history of “his” university, and the work and legacy of Franz Liszt in Weimar. For many years, he headed the Franz Liszt Center at the Weimar Music University and also served as a member of the university council. “During his tenure, Wolfram Huschke played a decisive role in paving the way for the future of the Weimar Music University,” says University President Prof. Anne-Kathrin Lindig. “To this day, the university community benefits from his skillful leadership at all levels. On behalf of the university community, I extend my warmest birthday congratulations and best wishes.”
Born in Weimar in 1946, Wolfram Huschke has always remained connected to the city on the Ilm. After studying school music at the Franz Liszt University of Music in Weimar, he worked from 1968 to 1983 as a music teacher and choir director at the “Friedrich Schiller” Extended High School in Weimar. As early as 1972, he took on a teaching position at the Weimar Music University. In 1977, he earned his doctorate with a dissertation on “Weimar Musical Life 1756–1861” at Martin Luther University in Halle-Wittenberg, where he later also completed his habilitation. From 1982 to 1987, Huschke directed the Jena Madrigal Circle and the Chamber Choir of the Jena Philharmonic. From 1990 to 1993, he served as president of the Weimar City Council. In 1993, he was appointed professor of music education at the Department of School Music and Church Music at the Weimar Music University, which he also headed from 1989 to 1998.
In addition to his role as rector of the university, Huschke also served at times as chairman of the Thuringian State Rectors’ Conference and as chairman of the European music conservatory network CHAIN. Since 2000, he has also served for many years as president of the Franz Liszt Society—a position he recently assumed once again. His academic work focuses on Liszt research, the musical history of Weimar, and the history of the Weimar Music University. Since 2004, he has been a full member of the Academy of Public Sciences in Erfurt. In 2005, Wolfram Huschke was awarded the Federal Cross of Merit. He was one of the key coordinators of the Thuringian Liszt Year in 2011. In 2012, he was awarded the title of Honorary Senator of the Weimar Music University.
[17 April 2026]