Rainer Luft studied at the Hanns Eisler Academy of Music in Berlin and has won prizes at international competitions. He has premiered more than ten works for bassoon. From 1975 to 1979, he was principal bassoonist at the Komische Oper Berlin. Since 1978, he has held a teaching position at the Hanns Eisler Academy of Music Berlin and at the Bach Gymnasium.

I have very fond memories of Kurt Sanderling’s farewell concert with works by Brahms and Schumann in spring 2002. Also unforgettable for me is my first performance of the ballet composition “Le Sacre du printemps” by Igor Stravinsky in 1980.

Just like many of my colleagues, I’m sure, there is only one favourite place in Berlin. That is, of course, Gendarmenmarkt with the Konzerthaus! It is the home of the orchestra in which I have played as a bassoonist for 42 years.