Federal Cross of Merit for Prof. Dr. Knut Andreas

Culture Minister Dr. Manja Schüle today presented the Federal Cross of Merit on Ribbon of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany to conductor and musicologist Prof. Dr. Knut Andreas at the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam on behalf of the Federal President:

"Knut Andreas makes music an experience - for everyone! Under his direction, the Collegium musicum Potsdam has not only grown to become the largest orchestra in the state capital, but also a lively meeting place: students and professionals, old residents and new Potsdamers make music side by side here. With the open-air festival 'Klassik am Weberplatz', he creates a magical moment every year: thousands come to listen, dance and celebrate together - culture as it should be: open, approachable, flexible. His commitment does not end at the city limits: with projects in Brazil, he builds bridges, empowers young people and shows how music can overcome borders. Knut Andreas combines artistic excellence with a real sense of responsibility for society. I would like to thank him from the bottom of my heart - and congratulate him on this well-deserved honour!"

Knut Andreas, born in Potsdam in 1979, began his musical education at the Potsdam Municipal Music School and continued it at the University of Potsdam, the Leipzig University of Music and the LMU Munich. Since 1998, he has been Artistic Director of the Collegium musicum Potsdam symphony orchestra, which has grown into one of the largest orchestras in the region under his direction. As an honorary professor at the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam, he is shaping the next generation of Arts Management and Cultural Work. In 2009, he founded the open-air festival "Klassik am Weberplatz" and has led the Orquestra Sinfônica de Piracicaba in Brazil since 2021. He also supports young people from socially disadvantaged neighbourhoods in São Paulo with an orchestra project, making an important contribution to social integration.

The Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany is awarded by the Federal President to German and foreign citizens for political, economic, social and intellectual achievements as well as for special services, for example in the social and charitable fields. It is the highest recognition awarded by the Federal Republic of Germany for services to the common good.