Constanze Wimmer elected as new Rector of the Mozarteum University

“Frau Univ.-Prof. Dr. Constanze Wimmer has excellent knowledge of the Austrian and European university systems and has a proven track record working in a commercial and organisational leadership role at a multidisciplinary arts university. In the end, it was her relevant subject knowledge and her leadership experience that convinced the University Council that she was the right candidate for the position.

The selection process was thorough and well-structured and the cooperation with the committees – from the selection committee to the Senate to the Equal Opportunities Task Force – was extremely constructive. The University Council would like to thank the incumbent Rector Prof. Elisabeth Gutjahr for her outstanding and highly successful work. She has initiated and implemented countless innovative projects such as the UMAK, the Institute for Open Arts and the Sustainability Strategy, which will have a positive influence on the future direction of the Mozarteum University for years to come,” Chair of the University Council, Univ.-Prof. Dr. Rosa Reitsamer explained. The interviews for the four candidates took place on 28^th and 29^th April at the Mozarteum University.

Statement from Constanze Wimmer:
“I am honoured by this demonstration of trust that has been placed in me through my election as the new Rector. In the last few years, the Mozarteum University has forged an impressive new range of pathways. Alongside the wide portfolio of degree programmes it offers, it has opened up bold and innovative spaces of experimentation: it has shown itself to be an international and in many respects leading arts university in the heart of Europe. My focus will be to ensure that students encounter the best possible conditions to inspire and guide them along their individual path towards a career in the arts and cultural sector.”

Univ.-Prof. Dr. Constanze Wimmer is a professor of music and arts teaching, and has been Vice Rector for Teaching, International Affairs, Sustainability, Gender and Diversity at the University of Music and Performing Arts Graz since 2020. She studied musicology, Media Studies, and Cultural Management, earned her doctoral degree in music pedagogy at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna. She worked for many years in concert management and in cultural education, in the area of music education, Audience Development and Audience Engagement. She is active as a project developer with numerous international orchestras, concert venues and festivals.
From 2023 to 2024 she was involved in the research project Networked Innovation in Classical Music: Collaborative Ecologies in Creative Cities (AHRC Network). Moreover, she can look back on a rich range of experience as a member of juries, advisory panels and boards and is the author and editor of a large number of publications.

The University Council of the Mozarteum University Salzburg for the period up to 2028 comprises five members. The council is chaired by Univ.-Prof. Mag. Dr. Rosa Reitsamer; the other members are Thomas Rietschel (substitute member), Mag. Silvia Grünberger, Sarah Wedl-Wilson, MA (Cantab), M.A. and Matthias Naske.