Germany's SWR Experimentalstudio to Relocate to Freiburg University of Music

Plans to move the studio to Karlsruhe have been abandoned, and it will remain in Freiburg, its home since 1971

After much public debate concerning the future of Germany's SWR Experimentalstudio, it has been announced that the studio will remain in Freiburg — and take up new premises at the Freiburg University of Music. One of the world's leading institutions in contemporary music with electronics, the studio was established in Freiburg in 1971.

When the Experimentalstudio's fate was first discussed, one option raised was to move its location to Karlsruhe. However, the city of Freiburg has opted to continue providing its annual support of €92 000, and an agreement has been reached with Freiburg University of Music regarding premises.

The studio will be moved to a low-rise building in Schöneckstraße 6a, and a purpose-built hall with an area will be constructed to fit the studio's specific acoustic needs.

Hans-Albert Stechl, Chairman of the SWR Board of Directors, described the decision to keep the Experimentalstudio in Freiburg as being "an important sign of the city's cultural offerings and for the entire region."

"The relocation of the SWR Experimental Studio and the associated future partnership with the Freiburg University of Music is intended to secure the future of the studio and at the same time expand its content portfolio," said Anke Mai, SWR Program Director.

"This is a strong signal in the current situation in the media policy situation, which personally I am very pleased about. [The Freiburg concept is] the best option, both in economic and artistic and scientific terms."