Nine New Appointments at Mozarteum University

Mozarteum University is delighted to welcome the internationally acclaimed musicians Lisa Batiashvili, Christian Thielemann, Claudio Martínez Mehner, Vlad Stanculeasa, Gabriele Carcano, Alexej Outekhin and Itamar Golan. In the fields of Music Theory and Design & Technology Didactics, we extend a warm welcome to Marcus Aydintan and Martin Murer. These new appointments combine many years of international stage and teaching experience with a variety of artistic and academic perspectives.

The nine professors at a glance

Lisa Batiashvili – Violin

The German violinist of Georgian origin, Lisa Batiashvili, is one of the most internationally renowned violinists of her generation. She regularly collaborates with leading orchestras and conductors and performs worldwide as a soloist and chamber musician. In 2021, she established the Lisa Batiashvili Foundation to support young Georgian musicians. She has received numerous awards in recognition of her dedication to the arts and social causes. She took up a professorship in violin at Mozarteum University in October 2026.

Christian Thielemann – Orchestral Conducting

Christian Thielemann is one of the most highly acclaimed conductors of our time. His decades of experience at the world’s major opera houses and with leading orchestras form the basis for his teaching role at Mozarteum University. From October 2026, he takes up a post as Professor of Orchestral Conducting. He is supported in this role by his long-standing musical assistant, Jobst Schneiderat, and Mozarteum lecturer Martin Fuchsberger.

Claudio Martínez Mehner – Piano

Claudio Martínez Mehner, born in Bremen, has enjoyed an international career as a pianist and teacher. His training took him to cities including Madrid, Moscow, Freiburg, Como and Baltimore, where he studied with renowned pianists such as Dmitri Bashkirov, Vitalij Margulis and Leon Fleisher. As a soloist, he has performed in Europe, North America, Asia and further afield; at the same time, he is in high demand internationally as a piano teacher. He took up a professorship in piano at Mozarteum University on 1 October. His aim is to build a diverse piano studio in which musical curiosity, stylistic openness and personal expressiveness come together.

Vlad Stanculeasa – Violin

The Romanian violinist Vlad Stanculeasa brings a wealth of experience as a soloist, chamber musician, principal violinist and teacher to Salzburg. Among other roles, he has served as leader of the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra, the Spanish National Orchestra and the Basel Chamber Orchestra. He is currently leader of the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra. He collaborates regularly with international orchestras and artists and is the founder and artistic director of the NUME Academy & Festival. He took up his professorship in violin at Mozarteum University on 1 October.

Gabriele Carcano – Piano

The Italian pianist Gabriele Carcano performs on international stages as a soloist and chamber musician. He studied in Turin and Paris, amongst other places; his musical mentors include Aldo Ciccolini, Nicholas Angelich, Richard Goode and Alfred Brendel. Carcano has performed in major concert halls across Europe, North America and Asia, and regularly collaborates with renowned chamber musicians. Since 1 October 2026, he has been Professor of Piano at Mozarteum University.

Marcus Aydintan – Music Theory

Marcus Aydintan combines music theory, aural training and analysis with composition and contemporary music. He studied music theory, composition and music education in Hanover and Salzburg and, prior to his appointment in Salzburg, held posts at several conservatoires, most recently at the FRANZ LISZT University of Music in Weimar. His academic interests include 20th- and 21st-century music, as well as questions relating to the methodology of music theory and aural training. He has been Professor of Music Theory at Mozarteum University since 1 October 2026.

Alexej Outekhin – Piano and Piano Pedagogy

The Riga-born pianist and teacher Alexej Outekhin studied at the University of Music in Würzburg and at the N. A. Rimsky-Korsakov State Conservatoire in St Petersburg. As a pianist, he has given recitals in numerous European cities, as well as in Russia and Japan, and has won prizes at several competitions. Alongside his performing career, he is deeply committed to piano teaching and pedagogy. He has taught at institutions including the University of the Arts Bremen and the University of Music in Würzburg. Since the winter semester of 2026/27, he has been Professor of Piano and Piano Pedagogy at Mozarteum University.

Itamar Golan – Piano and Chamber Music

The Israeli pianist Itamar Golan is known internationally above all as a much sought-after chamber musician. He began performing in public as a child; his training eventually took him to the New England Conservatory in Boston. Golan has collaborated with numerous leading musicians and has performed regularly on international concert stages and at festivals for many years. In addition to his work as a performer, he is also active as a teacher. At Mozarteum University, he is Professor of Piano and Chamber Music.

Martin Murer – Design & Technology Didactics

Martin Murer brings fresh perspectives to the intersection of design, technology and research. As a designer, researcher and lecturer, his work focuses on topics including human-computer interaction, material-based design and digital-physical artefacts. His work combines creative practice with issues relating to learning and teaching. At Mozarteum University, Murer takes up a professorship in deisgn & technology education, thereby strengthening the interdisciplinary field between art, design, technology and pedagogy.