In a contentious battle between students and university administration, the University Council and Senate of the Weimar University of Music have reached a decisive conclusion: the Institute for Early Music will be closed.
The University of Music Franz Liszt Weimar made the resolution on Tuesday evening, despite substantial protests. The historic German university's resolution says that early music courses will be gradually phased out starting in 2026.
University officials cited financial constraints as the primary reason for the institute's closure. The University Council, standing firm on their decision, announced that early music would henceforth only be available as a minor subject at Weimar.
Weimar's tourism website describes the school as "an institution of higher education for young musicians, academics, and ambassadors of music from across the entire globe. It is indebted to the legacy of Franz Liszt, who successfully combined in his person composer, virtuoso, ensemble musician, pedagogue, and pensive philosopher. The institution aims to compete with the world’s most renowned music academies."
This conflict reflects broader trends in higher education institutions, where similar struggles are occurring, Backstage Classical, a German arts website reports. Anne-Kathrin Lindig, President of the Liszt University, is prioritizing disciplines such as pedagogy, teacher training, cultural management, and specialized subjects like piano, accordion, guitar, organ, and jazz.
However, concerns loom over the future of music education. Many opposed to the move said without comprehensive and in-depth programs, the field may face challenges in sustaining a robust educational framework in the coming years. Over 31,000 people had signed a petition urging the school to rethink its position.