The Rudolf Kempe Society, founded in London in 1980, and its German Branch, launched in Munich in 1982, are both registered charities which, through a variety of activities in England and Germany, work independently as well as through an exchange scheme towards the same goal in professional education: to bridge the gap between the means of training generally offered by established institutions and the ever-increasing demands made on young musicians entering the profession.
Following Rudolf Kempe’s concern for young artists and their education, the Rudolf Kempe Society was founded in 1980 by English musicians in memory of the great German conductor.
Under the Artistic Directorship of his widow, Cordula, and with the encouragement of many eminent fellow artists, the society has for 30 years supported young musicians through master classes and workshops, and by affording them opportunities for concerts and radio recordings both in the UK and in Germany.
These activities also involve the general public by giving them insight into the process of artistic creation and interpretation, thus enhancing their enjoyment and understanding of music and of those who devote their lives to performing it. The results are palpable both on and off stage.