My profile
Having been working in the classical music industry for more than twenty years, I have many years of expertise in Public Relations. I used to work in the PR department at KD Schmid in Hanover for over ten years. Artists such as Andris Nelsons, Martin Helmchen, Nicolas Altstaedt and Joseph Moog, who were newcomers at that time, are among those I supported through PR. In addition, I gained important insights into artist management and the work of the orchestra and tour departments, which gave me a comprehensive understanding of the classical music business.
Growing up in Holstein in Northern Germany, I was influenced by classical music from an early age. I started taking piano lessons in primary school. Over the next fourteen years, in addition to the ‘standard works’ by Bach and Mozart, I also worked my way through Schumann and Debussy, and finally Beethoven's ‘Pathétique’ – a work to which I devoted so much energy that it is now more important to me than any other piece.
From an early age, I wanted to become a classical singer and follow in the footsteps of my grandmother and aunt who were both opera singers. After graduating from school, I took singing lessons for five years. How exciting it was for me in 1986 when the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival was founded very close to where we lived! In grade 5 at school, my fascination for the English language made it clear to me that I would spend a year abroad in England after grade 10. No sooner said than done: in the vicinity of Shakespeare's hometown Stratford-upon-Avon, I attended the Lower Sixth (grade 11) at Trinity Catholic School in Leamington Spa and stayed with a host family in the beautiful English countryside of Warwickshire. It was an invaluable experience that I wouldn't have missed for the world!
After graduating from Plön Grammar School, I decided to take a different path in the classical music industry while studying musicology and English at Julius-Maximilians-University in Wuerzburg: my desire now was to put myself at the service of artists. After completing my master's degree on the novels by David Lodge and earning a living as a call centre agent, which was necessary at that time, I moved on to the following positions:
After completing my master's degree on the novels of David Lodge and earning a living as a call centre agent, which was necessary at the time, I moved on to the following positions:
Stations
Numerous venues in Middle Franconia; internship during one season.
Job duties: Assistance in administration, hotel bookings, logistics, artist support.
Internship.
Responsibilities: Assistant in the editing department, support of various book projects, contact with publishers, marketing.
ILS; final grade: A
Internship in the press office with then press officer Alexander Busche.
2006 - 2020. PR department
PR for: Marc Albrecht, Martin Helmchen, Hans Graf, Christian Poltéra, Jonathan Biss, Andris Nelsons, Joseph Moog, Viviane Hagner, Nicolas Altstaedt, The King's Singers, John Storgårds, Kristine Opolais; European tours of The Philadelphia Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, Boston Symphony, Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra; chamber music series „Kammerorchester International“ at Konzerthaus Berlin.
maintenance of KD Schmid's website as well responsible for the agency's news on the website
sgd; final grade: A
August 2022.
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.”