1 July 2026 marks the 100th anniversary of Hans Werner Henze's birth. The German composer was one of the most influential voices in music after 1945. His works include operas, symphonies, ballets, vocal and chamber music, and reflect his strong social commitment.

Who was Hans Werner Henze?

Hans Werner Henze was born in Gütersloh in 1926 and died in Dresden in 2012. After the war, he studied in Germany but left his homeland early on and lived mainly in Italy from the 1950s onwards. From there, he had a great influence on the international music scene as a composer, teacher and festival founder.

A diverse body of works

Henze's music combines neoclassicism, twelve-tone technique and traditional forms with an unmistakable personal style. His major works include the opera Boulevard Solitude (1951), the ballet Undine (1956/57), the oratorio Das Floß der Medusa (The Raft of the Medusa, 1968), and numerous symphonies.

Music and politics

Henze always understood music as a statement on the times he was living in. Many of his works responded to social injustice and political conflicts. He worked closely with the poet Ingeborg Bachmann, who, like Henze, would have celebrated her 100th birthday in 2026.

Education and festivals

In addition to his work as a composer, Henze was also critically engaged with music education. He promoted young talent with works for children and young people and founded important festivals, including the Cantiere Internazionale d’Arte in Montepulciano and the Munich Biennale for New Music Theatre.

Awards and honours

Henze received numerous international awards and honours for his work, including the Ernst von Siemens Music Prize (1990) and the Praemium Imperiale (2000).