Alexander Mullenbach facts for kids

Alexander Müllenbach, born in 1949, is a talented musician from Luxembourg. He is known as a pianist, a composer who writes music, and a conductor who leads orchestras. Since 2002, he has been in charge of the International Summer Academy at the Mozarteum in Salzburg, a famous music school.

A Musician's Journey

Alexander Müllenbach was born in Luxembourg City on January 23, 1949. He began his music studies at the Conservatoire de Paris. Later, he continued his education at the Salzburg Mozarteum. There, he learned to play the piano, perform chamber music (music for small groups), and compose. His teachers included famous musicians like Gerhard Wimberger and Cesar Bresgen.

Teaching and Composing Music

In 1970, Müllenbach started teaching piano at the Conservatoire de Luxembourg. He also began teaching composition there in 1981. Since then, he has also taught at the Mozarteum.

He has written over 100 pieces of music since 1978. These include thirteen works for a full symphony orchestra and even an opera. His music has been played at important music festivals around the world. Some of these places include Salzburg, Echternach, Strasbourg, St.Petersburg, London, Vienna, and Munich. Many famous musicians and orchestras have performed his works.

Leadership Roles in Music

Beyond composing and teaching, Alexander Müllenbach has held many important leadership roles. He started and led the Luxembourg New Music Society (LGNM) from 1983 to 1994. He was also the president of the Luxembourg National Music Council from 2000 to 2007.

From 2002 to 2013, he was the director of the International Summer Academy of Mozarteum Salzburg. He also served as the artistic director of the Echternach Festival from 2007 to 2013. He helped create Luxembourg Music Publishers (LMP) and is its vice-chairman. In 2015, he received a special honor. He was given the title of Doctor Honoris Causa from the University of Music “Academie Gheorghe Dima” Cluj in Romania. This is a high academic award.

Important Memberships and Honors

Alexander Müllenbach has been recognized for his contributions to music. Here are some of his key memberships and honors:

• 1997: He became a member of the Academia Scientiarum et Artium Europaea in Salzburg. He also joined the Grand Ducal Institute in Luxembourg.
• 1999: He was made an officer of the Order of Adolphe of Nassau. This is an important award from the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.
• 2000: He became the president of the Conseil Supérieur de la Musique in Luxembourg.
• 2002: He took on the role of director for the Mozarteum International Summer Academy in Salzburg.
• 2007: He became the artistic director of the Festival International Echternach in Luxembourg.
• 2013: He helped found and became the Vice-Chairman of Luxembourg Music Publishers.
• 2015: He received the Doctor Honoris Causa from the Gheorghe Dima Music Academy in Cluj-Napoca, Romania.

Notable Compositions

Alexander Müllenbach has written many different kinds of musical pieces. Here are some of his well-known compositions:

• 1965: Three Winter Pieces for Piano
• 1974: Brixham 4 Songs for Mezzo-soprano and Piano
• 1981: Correspondences for Flute, Clarinet, Violin, Cello, and Piano
• 1987: Art Gallery, for solo Violin
• 1987: Night Music for solo Piano
• 1991: Under the Rainbow (11 pieces for young pianists)
• 1991: Schattenraum, 4 Songs for Mezzo-soprano and 10 Instruments
• 1992: Partita I for solo Violin
• 1994: Capriccio per Niccolò Paganini, for solo Violin
• 1995: Concerto for Violoncello and String Orchestra
• 1997: String Quartet I (Constructions in Metal)
• 1997: An die Königin der Nacht, for Orchestra
• 1999: Piano Quintet (Piano, 2 Violins, Viola, Cello)
• 1999: Dark Crystal, for Orchestra
• 2002: Gesang des Schwarzen Vogels (Song of the Black Bird) for solo Clarinet
• 2003: Die Todesbrücke (The Bridge of Death) – an opera in 2 acts
• 2009: Concerto for Marimba and String Orchestra
• 2016: Concerto for Violin and String Orchestra

His music is published by different companies, including Doblinger Edition Vienna, Norsk Musik Forlaget Oslo, and Luxembourg Music Publishers. Several of his works have also been released on CDs.