Hans Pischner
Hans Pischner | |
|---|---|
Pischner (left) with conductor Franz Konwitschny, 1961 | |
| President of the Cultural Association of the German Democratic Republic | |
| In office 1977–1990 | |
| Preceded by | Max Burghardt |
| Succeeded by | office abolished |
| Personal details | |
| Born | February 20, 1914 Breslau, German Empire |
| Died | October 15, 2016 (aged 102) Berlin, Germany |
| Nationality | German |
| Political party | Socialist Unity Party of Germany |
| Occupation | Musicologist, activist, musician |
| Awards | Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany (1999) Order of Karl Marx (1989) Star of People's Friendship (1979) National Prize of the German Democratic Republic (1976) Patriotic Order of Merit, in gold (1973) |
Hans Pischner (20 February 1914 – 15 October 2016) was a German harpsichordist, musicologist, opera director, and politician active in the German Democratic Republic. He encouraged the creation of musical and artistic cultural institutions in East Germany, and used his position in the SED to prevent any further brain drain of artists and musicians after the Berlin Wall was constructed by encouraging and supporting the arts. He served as Chairman of the Kulturbund from 1977 until German reunification in 1990.