A graduate of the Hochschule für Musik Hanns Eisler in Berlin, Heiko Mathias Förster made his opera debut in Brandenburg at the age of 23 and went on to conduct the Brandenburg Symphony Orchestra. He is now the designated Chief Conductor of the Baden-Baden Philharmonic.
Previously, he was chief conductor and artistic director of the Janáček Philharmonic Ostrava, with notable performances of Smetana’s Glagolitic Mass and My Country. He also conducted Dvořák’s first opera, Alfred, and led award-winning recordings.
Förster was Principal Conductor of the Munich Symphony Orchestra (1999-2007) and General Music Director of the Neue Philharmonie Westfalen (2007-2014), with notable achievements including the world premiere of Albeniz’s opera Merlin at the Gelsenkirchen Opera. The maestro is also known for his projects with artists such as Loriot and his orchestral adaptations of Wagner’s operas for younger audiences.
Förster has enjoyed a successful career in opera, conducting at major houses such as the Prague State Opera, where he has directed productions of Madama Butterfly, Otello, La Traviata and worked with famous opera stars.
In 2017, he founded the Prague Royal Philharmonic, which has established a regular presence in the Czech Republic, Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Förster has guest conducted renowned orchestras around the world, including the Prague orchestras, and frequently collaborates with international opera stars.
His repertoire spans the classical and romantic core, including works by Beethoven, Schumann, Brahms, Tchaikovsky, Mahler and Dvořák, as well as rare pieces and world premieres such as Enjott Schneider’s ‘Sisyphos’. Förster’s innovative projects include orchestral adaptations of Wagner’s operas such as ‘The Ring Without Words’ and family concerts such as ‘The Flying Dutchman for Children’.
