Federal Cross of Merit for alumnus KS Jochen Kowalski
Reunion at the Eisler: State Secretary for Culture Sarah Wedl-Wilson, former President of the School, recently presented Eisler alumnus and Kammersänger Jochen Kowalski with the Federal Cross of Merit 1st Class. The ceremonial presentation to the internationally renowned countertenor took place with Eisler President Prof Andrea Tober in the Galakutschen-Saal. After studying Voice at the Eisler, Jochen Kowalski began his international career at the Komische Oper Berlin in the 1980s and became a pioneer in his field.
"Dear Mr Kowalski, your particular pleasure and passion belongs to music, for which you have rendered outstanding services. I know that you saw yourself less as a pioneer in your field and more as an exotic figure. But perhaps you were and are more of an ambassador who, with your extraordinary vocal abilities, virtuosity and enthusiasm, has not only thrilled audiences, but has inspired a whole generation of singers to dedicate themselves to this rare vocal speciality," said Sarah Wedl-Wilson in her laudatory speech for Jochen Kowalski.