Conductor

Rudolf Lutz (born 1951) was appointed artistic director of the J. S. Bach Foundation of St. Gallen in 2006. In view of the foundation’s mission to perform Bach’s complete vocal works, Rudolf Lutz established the Orchestra and Choir of the J.S. Bach Foundation.
 
Rudolf Lutz is lecturer in improvisation at the “Schola Cantorum Basiliensis”, the University of Early Music, Basle; and in thorough-bass at the University of Music, Basle. From 1998–2008 he taught oratorio studies at the University of Zurich.
 
In St. Gallen, Rudolf Lutz is organist of the church “St. Laurenzen Kirche”, a post he has held since 1973. He is also conductor of the “St. Galler Kammerensemble”, which he has led since 1986. From 1986 to 2008, he conducted the “Bach-Chor St. Gallen”.
 
Rudolf Lutz is a highly-sought specialist in historical improvisation techniques for both concerts and workshops. He is also active as a piano accompanist, harpsichordist and composer. In 2002, the world premiere of his oratorio “An English Christmas” was performed in the church “St. Laurenzen Kirche” in St. Gallen to critical acclaim.
 
Rudolf Lutz is in great demand for concerts and international symposiums on improvisation and performance practices. He is a regular guest lecturer and concert improviser at the “Conservatoire national supérieur musique et danse” in Lyon, the International Organ Academy in Romainmôtier, the “La Folia” festival in Rougemont and the Orpheus Institute in Gent.
In late 2007, he was lecturer and improviser at a symposium on “European organ culture in the time of Mendelssohn” organised by the Bach Archive in Leipzig. In 2007 and 2009 he was invited to the renowned Bach festival in Ansbach as a performer and improviser.
 
In close cooperation with the “DRS II Kulturclub” and Dr. Arthur Godel, former director of Radio DRS II, Rudolf Lutz has led several literary-musical projects and liturgical symposiums. In 2008 and 2009, he was invited by the “Kulturclub DRS” to be a guest speaker on the topic of Bach cantatas. In 2006, Rudolf Lutz was awarded the culture prize of the canton of St. Gallen.