My profile
I have been working in the classical music industry for over twenty years and have extensive expertise in press and public relations. For more than a decade, I worked in the PR department at KD Schmid in Hanover. During that time, I had the privilege of supporting the early careers of today’s leading artists, such as Andris Nelsons, Martin Helmchen, Nicolas Altstaedt and Joseph Moog, through PR.
In addition, I gained in-depth insights into artist management as well as orchestra and tour organisation. This gave me a comprehensive understanding of the structures and processes within the international classical music industry.
Having grown up in Holsteinische Schweiz in Northern Germany, my introduction to classical music came early and was a natural part of my upbringing. I began taking piano lessons whilst still at primary school. Over the following fourteen years, I built up a repertoire ranging from Bach and Mozart, through Schumann and Debussy, to Beethoven’s ‘Pathétique’, to which I devoted particular intensity over the years and which remains a special memory for me to this day.
From an early age, I wanted to become a classical singer and thus follow in my family’s musical footsteps. After finishing school, I undertook five years of vocal training. The founding of the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival nearby in 1986 was a defining moment and further strengthened my close connection to the classical music scene.
As early as Year 5, it was already clear that I would be spending a year abroad in England after Year 10 – driven by my early enthusiasm for the English language. I followed through on this plan: I attended the Lower Sixth at Trinity Catholic School in Leamington Spa, not far from Stratford-upon-Avon, and lived with a host family in the rural county of Warwickshire. This period was truly influential and of great personal and cultural benefit.
Stations
Work at various venues across Middle Franconia over the course of a full season, providing comprehensive support for production processes. Involvement in administrative organisation, independently coordinating hotel and travel bookings, managing logistical processes, and actively supporting and assisting artists on site.
An internship in the publishing sector involving extensive involvement in the development and management of a wide range of book projects. Supporting the editorial team from manuscript editing through to project coordination, maintaining collaboration with editors, and contributing to marketing and communications initiatives aimed at successfully positioning the titles.
Part-time distance learning course in journalism at the ILS Institute, completed successfully with an outstanding grade (Grade 1). In-depth development of sound journalistic skills in research, text composition, media practice and editorial work.
An internship in the press office under the supervision of the then press officer, Alexander Busche, providing an insight into professional press and public relations work, media communication, and the editorial preparation and dissemination of information.
2006–2020 | PR- und Künstlerbetreuung im internationalen Musikmanagement
Responsible for the strategic and operational press and public relations work for renowned conductors and soloists such as Marc Albrecht, Martin Helmchen, Hans Graf, Christian Poltéra, Jonathan Biss, Andris Nelsons, Joseph Moog, Viviane Hagner, Nicolas Altstaedt, The King’s Singers, John Storgårds and Kristine Opolais.
Begleitung internationaler Konzerttourneen führender Klangkörper wie The Philadelphia Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra und The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra sowie Betreuung der Kammermusikreihe „Kammerorchester International“ am Konzerthaus Berlin.
Konzeption und Erstellung von PR-Inhalten, redaktionelle Betreuung der Unternehmenswebsite, Verfassen von Firmen-News sowie Pflege der digitalen Kommunikation.
In-depth further training in psychological counselling and coaching, with a focus on communication, personal development, conversational skills and practice-oriented coaching methods. Successfully completed the course with an outstanding grade A.
Since August 2022 | Founded Astrid Brauer PR
Establishment of a PR agency specialising in strategic storytelling, authentic brand communication and sustainable visibility. Development of bespoke communication strategies that link personalities, projects and topics with relevant stories, enhance their public perception and build long-term relationships with the media and target audiences.
What the customers say
References
"Astrid was an invaluable asset to the release of "Franz Schmidt: The Symphonies" for the Accentus label. Not only did her tireless work create an unprecedented number of reviews, and features, both in print and on the radio, but she was a caring member of the team, believing in and wanting the best for the product. I can recommend her wholehearted and without any hesitation - you cannot do better."
"I have only the best memories of working with Astrid Brauer. Communication with her was always very pleasant, highly professional and extremely reliable. I would definitely consider working with her again and can highly recommend her."
"Astrid is a fantastic partner for artists who want to raise their profile and are looking for targeted, professional support. With her in-depth expertise, personal networks, and empathetic and approachable manner, she tailors her approach to each client’s individual needs and, drawing on all her experience and undiminished enthusiasm, develops bespoke strategies – with great success!"
“I first met Astrid Brauer through the support of the Borletti-Buitoni Trust. I have the fondest memories of working with her; Astrid works with great warmth, passion and efficiency.”