Michael Herrmann

Michael Herrmann is one of the most renowned cultural and music administrators in Germany and beyond. Born and raised in Wiesbaden, he has dedicated his life to promoting of music and culture across Europe.

In 1987, he founded the Rheingau Musik Festival, which held its first season in the summer of 1988 with 19 concerts. The inspiration for the festival came from his musical experiences in the 1960s and 70s, including visits to the Pablo Casals Festival in Prades and choral performances in Eberbach Abbey. These early encounters with chamber music and sacred spaces planted the idea of creating a festival that would use the many culturally rich venues of the Rheingau region.

Under Herrmann’s leadership as Artistic Director and Chief Executive Officer, the Rheingau Musik Festival has grown into one of Europe’s largest festivals, presenting an average of 150 events each season. Many concerts take place in vineyards and historical buildings throughout the region.

From the beginning, Herrmann has focused on building a strong network of supporters. He personally engages with sponsors, often contacting several each day. Over 180 companies have funded the festival, covering about half of the budget, with the remainder coming from ticket sales. This model has allowed the festival to remain independent of public funding, although the Minister-President of Hesse traditionally serves as its patron.

In 1992, the festival was reorganized as a limited liability company, with Herrmann as managing director and partner. Since 2019, he has co-directed the festival with Marsilius Graf von Ingelheim, ensuring continuity and future development.

In addition to the festival, Herrmann runs the Pro Arte Konzertdirektion at the Alte Oper Frankfurt and established Wiesbaden Musik in 2019, which began with a concert marking his 75th birthday at the Kurhaus Wiesbaden.

Herrmann has also played an important role within the European Festivals Association. He served on its board for many years, including as Vice President, and supported the association with lasting contributions such as hosting the first Arts Festivals Summit in Rheingau in 2017.

In recognition of his lifelong dedication to music, cultural exchange and the European festival community, Michael Herrmann has been named an Honorary Member of the European Festivals Association.