The conductor Christoph von Dohnányi was on the roster of Colbert Artists for more than 50 years, beginning in the 1970s, and stretching into the 21st century. He was a remarkable artist whose musicality was informed by piercing intelligence and deep feeling. His personal history granted him profound musical and humanist insight into the great symphonic works of the canon, which he shared in performances around the world, with thousands of musicians, and millions of listeners.
Our dear friend and former Colbert Artists Vice President, Christina Putnam, worked closely with CvD (as we affectionately called him) for many years, and has graciously shared a statement that captures the joy and privilege of working with Dohnányi.
“The day I started work at Colbert Artists Management is the day Christoph von Dohnányi was announced as the Music Director of the Cleveland Orchestra. To see and hear what he accomplished there in 22 years was a musical education, in and of itself. Above and beyond the technique, the intellect and historical perspective, the keen attention to the score he brought to the podium , CvD always seemed to approach the orchestra with respect and affection. He was demanding, exacting – but together they created something joyful and full of humanity. It was moving to see – and glorious to hear!
After Cleveland, I worked with him more closely as he conducted as a guest the major orchestras of New York, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, et al. It’s true he brought an Old Word sensibility to the podium, but also cutting edge technique and understanding to new commissions.
One story stands out when he was conducting Fidelio at the Lyric Opera of Chicago:
Christoph’s parents, Hans and Christine (née Bonhoeffer) von Dohnányi were important actors in the resistance in World War II. While his father was imprisoned by Nazi forces, he asked Christine’s help to infect him with a dose of dysentery so he would be moved to a prison hospital. There she could visit him as a nurse, he would have better care – and better ways to support the resistance.
Their plot succeeded for a time, keeping the family together, and information flowing. But his father Hans and his uncle, theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer, were murdered by the Nazis just before end of the war. As CvD said, “so you see FIDELIO is not just some abstract story to me …” but a personal one, full of courage, love, and dedication. He embodied all of the above, on and off the podium.”
Christoph von Dohnányi’s final concerts in North America were in 2016, with the Chicago Symphony. He died on September 6 at home in Munich, just two days before his 96th birthday.