Dirk Kaftan’s contract as General Music Director of the Beethoven-Orchester Bonn has been extended until at least 2032, having previously been contracted until 2027.

The City of Bonn, Germany, announced the news. Katja Dörner, Mayor of Bonn, said, “Dirk Kaftan has played a key role in shaping the musical life of the city of Bonn since 2017. Under his direction, the Beethoven Orchester Bonn has established itself as an ensemble that is both artistically excellent and close to the people. Dirk Kaftan stands for creative formats and cultural work that brings people together. I am delighted if we can continue on this successful path – especially in view of the upcoming reopening of the Beethovenhalle.”

Kaftan added, “I am fully committed to the Beethoven Orchester Bonn and to Bonn. I am happy to take on the challenging tasks of the next few years and am counting on the support of our wonderful musicians and many creative people in Bonn. I am very grateful for the trust placed in me and would like to continue contributing to the joie de vivre, quality of life and cohesion in this city with full vigor.”

Previously, Kaftan has served as General Music Director in Augsburg and Graz. He has appeared with the Vienna Symphony Orchestra, the SWR Symphony Orchestra Baden-Baden, the KBS Symphony Orchestra Seoul, the Royal Danish Orchestra, the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra, the NDR Radiophilharmonie, and the Ensemble Modern, as well as at the opera houses in Copenhagen, Hamburg, Dresden, and Berlin.

Read Related Stories 

• David Oller, Nicole Chevalier, José Simerilla Romero, Heather Engebretson & Johanna Wallroth Lead Theater Basel’s 2025-26 Season
• Theater Bonn Announces 2023-24 Season