Two and a half years after the death of composer Udo Zimmermann (1943-2021), his widow Saskia has published a biography of the artist, including the first complete list of his works. The book "Ich bin ein Theatermensch" also contains personal documents and memories, including those of prominent colleagues and companions such as conductor Herbert Blomstedt and director Peter Konwitschny.
The theater scholar worked on the artistic legacy of the Dresden native, who was considered one of the leading contemporary composers in Europe. "It was his wish that everything should go to the music archive of the Akademie der Künste in Berlin," she told the German Press Agency. The donation contract stipulates that she can edit it substantially beforehand.
Zimmermann, who created operas, vocal symphonies and chamber music works, was also involved in contemporary music as an artistic director and festival director. The former Dresden crucian founded and directed the Center for Contemporary Music in Dresden for many years, was artistic director of the Leipzig Opera and general director of the Deutsche Oper Berlin. He was also responsible for the musica viva series at Bayerischer Rundfunk.
