Florian Richter, the principal violist of the Staatskapelle Dresden, has returned to his alma mater, the Hochschule für Musik "Franz Liszt" in Weimar, to assume a professorship. Starting on April 1, 2024, he will impart his expertise in viola playing to students.

Hailing from Oschatz, Richter initially received violin instruction from Klaus Hertel in Leipzig before transitioning to the viola at the age of fifteen. He pursued his musical education at the Music High School Schloss Belvedere in Weimar under the tutelage of Erich Wolfgang Krüger.

Having distinguished himself as a prizewinner at Germany's "Jugend musiziert" competition, Richter furthered his studies at the University of Music "Franz Liszt" in Weimar, where he continued to refine his craft under Krüger and Ditte Leser.

Before joining the Staatskapelle Dresden, Richter held prominent viola positions at the Staatskapelle Weimar and the Staatsorchester Stuttgart. Additionally, since 2017, he has been actively involved in teaching in Nuremberg.

Professor Tim Stolzenburg, the Director of the Department of String Instruments and Harp, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "I am delighted that such a highly accomplished violist, with extensive experience both as a performer in leading international orchestras and as a successful educator, is relocating his professional focus to Weimar."

Richter shared his excitement about his new role, remarking, "The greatest joy I feel at my appointment as Professor of Viola at the Weimar University of Music is the opportunity to nurture new talent in the very place that significantly influenced my development as a violist."

He added, "Having spent the majority of my formative years under the guidance of Professors Leser and Krüger at the Music High School Schloss Belvedere and the University of Music in Weimar, I am thrilled to now contribute as a lecturer at the university."