New conductor for choir and orchestra at the University of Stuttgart: Jakob Brenner

Taking up the role of conductor for the Academic Choir and Academic Orchestra of the University of Stuttgart marks the end of Jakob Brenner’s 500-kilometer commute between the Swabian capital and Chemnitz, where he spent the past few years conducting at the opera. The new university music director has big plans for Stuttgart.

Jakob Brenner, who began working at the University of Stuttgart in the summer semester, describes the atmosphere as 'like a family' and explains that despite the university's vast size, he felt welcomed right away. He found many open doors and was met with nothing but helpful people.

What attracts him to the University of Stuttgart is the interdisciplinary and international composition of the choir and orchestra and the fact that both ensembles demonstrate professional standards despite their amateur structure. He expects a vibrant and professional approach to music education.

Brenner, whose main instrument is the violin, studied music education. As a conductor, he also aims to maintain a strong focus on music education.  His aim is to appeal to all age groups and attract new audiences. His credo: Being on equal footing. It is not about explaining the music, but about “explaining oneself”, making one's own enthusiasm tangible. Classical music, in particular, often struggles with acceptance due to its association with an elitist bubble. He aims to change this.

The new university music director already has a clear idea of how to create a level playing field and win over new audiences.

He hopes to bring music to the Vaihingen campus - possibly with smaller ensembles - performing in spaces where students already gather, such as the cafeteria or libraries. Being closer and approachable would also boost the visibility of university music and might inspire one or two students (or university staff) to consider singing in the choir or playing an instrument on the orchestra themselves.

Brenner would also like to contribute his passion for working with children and young people in Stuttgart. The university, which has been recognized as family-friendly, offers ideal conditions for this. The format he has in mind for this are children's or family concerts. Target audience? The university members and students with their families, but also Stuttgart's urban society. Where? Out of the fancy concert halls, of course, and into the plain lecture halls of the university.

CV Jakob Brenner

Jakob Brenner assumed the role of Director of University Music at the University of Stuttgart in the summer semester of 2025. He studied at the Hochschule für Musik und Theater in Munich and graduated with distinction. He also participated in master classes with Michael Procter and Gunnar Eriksson and was a scholarship recipient of the Richard Wagner Association. In 2013, he began his theater career as musical director at the Theater der Altmark in Stendal. From 2016 to 2025 he was 1st Kapellmeister at the Chemnitz Opera House. Here, he gained an extensive repertoire of music theater and concert works spanning a wide range of epochs. He conducted numerous German premieres. For example, Boyer's “Silver Fanfare” and Horner's “Pas de deux”.

Concert dates in the summer semester

• Choir concert with poetry “HOFFNUNG”

July 12, 25, 7:00 p.m., St. Bernhard Heubach
July 13, 25, 7:00 p.m., Johannes Kirche Stuttgart-West

• Orchestra concert “SCHICKSAL”

July 20, 25, 8:00 p.m., Markus Kirche Stuttgart-Süd

Rehearsal dates for both ensembles

• Rehearsal dates for the Academic Choir: Tuesdays from 7:15 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Where? Lecture hall 17.01, Campus City Center, Keplerstraße 17.
• Rehearsal dates for the Academic Orchestra: Thursdays from 7.30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Where? Lecture hall 17.01, Campus City Center, Keplerstraße 17.

Choir and orchestra on Instagram