Witiko Adler has passed away
July 30, 1928 – April 15, 2026
It is with deep shock and sorrow that we have learned of the passing of concert promoter Witiko Adler, who led the Hans Adler Concert Agency for many decades, beginning in 1948, and had a lasting impact on the classical music scene far beyond Berlin. With his passion for classical music, he tirelessly championed the next generation of young artists.
The Hanns Eisler School of Music Berlin and its Friends Association also benefited for many years from his expertise, his foresight, and his deep connection to music. For over three decades, he was an important voice in the Society of Friends and Supporters of the Academy and served on the board with great dedication, particularly in the awarding of scholarships to our students.
“My goal was both to bring back to Germany those great performers who had been driven out by the Nazis and to build up a new generation of artists,” Witiko Adler said in the past. The German debuts of outstanding artists such as Claudio Abbado, Lorin Maazel, Seiji Ozawa, Bernard Haitink, and Zubin Mehta were arranged by him and his concert agency. Witiko Adler contributed significantly to Berlin’s development as a world-renowned classical music metropolis.
With his passing, we lose a valued partner and a person whose dedication and character have left a lasting impression on the music world. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family. Eisler will always honor Witiko Adler’s memory.