Concert Hall Manager: 800,000 euros is our utmost budget constraint.
By Martina Hafner
Stepping into the role of Intendant at the Konzerthaus, Tobias Rempe (53) is set to make a splash at the renovated Gendarmenmarkt come September. Despite the financial strain, he's ready to navigate the choppy waters ahead.
In a heated negotiation, Rempe and Chief Conductor Joana Mallwitz (39) managed to HALVE the savings burden imposed by the Cultural Senate on the Konzerthaus, lowering it from a staggering 1.8 million euros to a more manageable 800,000 euros. Rempe played a significant role in these discussions.
"We've thrown our weight into the ring during this challenging economic climate," Rempe shares, "The savings can't exceed 800,000 euros; that's our limit. We hope this figure remains stitched in for the upcoming two years."
A City's Heartbeat: The Konzerthaus
With the magnetic Chief Conductor Joana Mallwitz at the helm, the Konzerthaus continues to beat as the city's heart. The concerts often sell out, while the orchestra unfurls the grand Classic Open Air at the Gendarmenmarkt.
"Our occupancy rate hangs at an impressive 89%, the highest yet," Rempe proclaims. "And we've got a loyal fanbase, with 78% of our audience hailing from the city itself."
The question lingers: How will the 800,000 euro savings be achieved? "It's a mix of our reserves, steady income, and a slight bump in ticket prices," explains Rempe. "We've hiked prices in the premium categories by 5 to 10%, but kept the entry-level segments intact to maintain our status as a hub for all Berliners."
Rempe remains tight-lipped about the specific formats or events that may bear the brunt of the savings requirements, despite the sheltering of the "Projections" festival this spring. "We don't want to slap warning stickers all over our annual program, announcing cancellations due to savings measures," he comments. "Our focus should be on inspiring people, the message should be: Join us at our home!"
A Ray of Hope: The Renovation Project Ahead
With regards to the delayed facade renovation, Rempe offers a glimmer of hope: "We're keeping our fingers crossed that construction work will wrap up by the end of 2025, rid us of the scaffolding once and for all." Rempe resides in Prenzlauer Berg, is wed to a violinist in the Resonanz ensemble, and shares a 23-year-old son. In his downtime?
With a hearty chuckle, Rempe reveals, "I dote on my family, catch up with loved ones, and pedal through open landscapes on my bike. I've also got a strong affinity for football, rooting for 1. FC Nuremberg — a roller coaster of fun, yet fraught with moments of peril."
In the realm of finance, Rempe plans to achieve the 800,000 euro savings for the Konzerthaus through a combination of their reserved funds, steady income, and a slight increase in ticket prices, particularly in the premium categories.
In his personal lifestyle, Rempe enjoys spending time with family, cycling, and following his favorite football team, 1. FC Nuremberg, which he describes as a roller coaster ride filled with fun and moments of challenge.
