Academy of Music in Liechtenstein’s Director to Step Down

Following a 15-year tenure, Drazen Domjanic will be succeeded by Beat Fehlmann in September 2025 

Founded in 2010 by Drazen Domjanic, the Musikakademie in Liechtenstein is a leading music education program for emerging artists in Europe that offers individual lessons, chamber music coaching, plus classes on competition and audition preparation. 

After 15 years as artistic and managing director of the Academy, Domjanic and the board of trustees has announced his successor in Beat Fehlmann, who will assume the role as of September 1, 2025. Domjanic will remain with the Academy as a board member and as an advisor to Fehlmann. 

An acclaimed Swiss music manager, Fehlmann is currently the General Manager of the Deutsche Staatsphilharmonie Rheinland-Pfalz orchestra. 

In his new role, he will take over the Academy’s management duties, plus oversee the operations of its unique Ensemble Esperanza, which has won awards including the Opus Klassik and the ICMA Special Prize. 

Noted for his forward-thinking ideas that prioritize artistic excellence and organizational advancement, Fehlmann has achieved many milestones, such as the establishment of innovative concert formats and the promotion of emerging artists.

“Beat Fehlmann is the Board of Trustees' candidate of choice,” said Otmar Hasler, the Academy’s Board President. “With his international experience, creative energy, and keen sense for the future of classical music, he brings exactly the qualities we need for the next phase of the Academy. His vision of advancing classical music while preserving its rich traditions perfectly aligns with the goals of the Music Academy in Liechtenstein.”

“After the successful founding years and many milestones, such as the construction of the new Hagenhaus campus, it is time to pass the leadership into new hands,” Domjanic expressed. “With Beat Fehlmann, I am confident that the Music Academy will not only continue its innovative trajectory but also grow in new areas – whether musically, educationally, or in terms of international networking. The Ensemble Esperanza, which has become a flagship of the Music Academy, will also achieve new successes under his leadership. I am delighted to support him in my new role as an advisor.”

“It is a great honor and pleasure for me to take on the leadership of the Music Academy in Liechtenstein,” Fehlmann added. “Over the years, the Academy has established itself as one of the leading institutions for musical excellence in Europe. I am particularly excited to continue working with the Ensemble Esperanza, which has already achieved international recognition, and to introduce new artistic initiatives. I am convinced that we can build on this foundation to develop groundbreaking projects that will further enhance the Academy’s artistic quality and societal impact. I thank the Board of Trustees for their trust and look forward to working with this outstanding team.”

A new streaming series presented by The Violin Channel with the Musikakademie in Liechtenstein will see performances from the Academy’s students of leading faculty on select Mondays at 7 PM (ET). An upcoming livestream can be viewed here.