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German Composers' Association president steps down amid leadership turmoil

A stormy tenure ends as Eggert leaves the DKV fractured. Will his departure spark reform—or deepen the crisis?

The image shows a black and white portrait of Hans von Thummel, a German composer, wearing a coat....
The image shows a black and white portrait of Hans von Thummel, a German composer, wearing a coat. At the bottom of the image, there is some text written.

German Composers' Association president steps down amid leadership turmoil

Moritz Eggert has announced he will not seek re-election as president of the German Composers' Association (DKV). His decision comes amid rising tensions within the organisation's leadership. The election for a new president is set to take place in May, leaving Eggert in a formal role until then.

Eggert's presidency was defined by his strong opposition to GEMA's cultural funding reforms, which he publicly criticised in online campaigns. However, his time in office also saw growing divisions within the DKV's board, which he described as a 'minefield' of hostility. He accused some members of using the association for personal gain and silencing dissent.

Critics, in turn, claimed Eggert's own rhetoric deepened divisions, making constructive discussion difficult. Despite his calls for a fresh start, he ruled out continuing as president, urging members to take an active role in shaping the DKV's future. His departure leaves questions about the association's direction, particularly regarding its relationship with GEMA, where no significant changes in composer representation on the supervisory board have occurred in five years. For now, Eggert will remain in a limited capacity until the May election. He has stressed the need to protect the DKV's independence while encouraging members to address the internal conflicts that marked his tenure.

The DKV now faces a leadership transition in two months. Eggert's exit follows years of disputes over governance and external pressures from GEMA's policies. The upcoming election will determine how the association moves forward in resolving its internal challenges.

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