Classeek 15’ with Sonia Simmenauer — Episode 1: “Guiding Young Artists to Success”

This episode discusses artist management, tips on supporting emerging artists, and how to guide their music careers

Founded in 2017 in Switzerland, Classeek provides innovative solutions to artists through new technologies and industry knowledge. On its Classeek 15’ podcast, top artists and professionals discuss career resources, advice, and tips for young musicians.

The podcast’s 15-minute episodes are hosted by Charlotte Gardner, Michael Beek, and Jack Pepper.

In episode one, Beek speaks to artist manager Sonia Simmenauer on how her profession has changed over the years, and about representing and guiding young artists in their professional careers.

The discussion also covers how to support an artist in all decisions big and small — including what engagements to accept, keeping organized while being on tour, communication skills, and teaching the artist to know their strengths and weaknesses.

Classeek 15’ with Sonia Simmenauer

Episode 1 — “Guiding Young Artists to Success”

Simmenauer was born in America and grew up in Paris. While based in Hamburg, Germany, between 1982 and 2009, she founded Impresariat Simmenauer in 1989, aiming to create an agency exclusively for string quartets.

Simmenauer currently represents a dozen internationally acclaimed string quartets — including the Arditti Quartet, Artemis Quartet, Belcea Quartet, Quatuor Ébène, Cuarteto Casals, Jerusalem Quartet, Quatuor Modigliani, and Schumann Quartett. Simmenauer has also signed soloists such as violinists Isabelle Faust and Vadim Gluzman, and cellists Jean-Guihen Queyras and Alisa Weilerstein, among others.

More Classeek 15’ episodes discuss the competition world, practicing wellbeing, environmental impact as a musician, and accessing music in later life; more guests include Gautier Capuçon, Eric Tanguy, Meurig Bowan, and Nadine Benjamin.