The culture ministry of the German state of Saxony has announced that Thielemann’s contract as music director of the Staatskapelle Dresden, one of Europe’s oldest and most admired orchestras, and the Saxon State Opera (aka the Semperoper) will not be renewed when it expires in the summer of 2024. The contract of Semperoper superintendent Peter Theiler, which expires at the same time, won’t be extended, either; culture minister Barbara Klepsch says the government wants to chart a new course for the institution. Thielemann has been in Dresden since 2012; this will be the first position he has not left by his own choice. (in German; for a Google Translate version, click here) – MDR (Leipzig)