Interview – Rose Hunt
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A New Wave of Leadership: Rose Hunt on Trust and the Future of Orchestras
How do you move from studying flute to becoming one of the youngest orchestra managing directors in Germany? What does it take to gain trust as a young leader in a field shaped by hierarchy and tradition?
In this episode of The Art She Manages, I talk to Rose Hunt — Managing Director of Kammerphilharmonie Frankfurt and a powerful new voice in the German independent arts scene. Rose’s story is all about courage, curiosity, and carving your own path in classical music leadership.
From moving across Europe as a child, to training as a flutist, to stepping into arts management and leading major projects before the age of 30 — Rose’s journey shows what’s possible when you combine artistic passion with sharp organizational skills and empathy.
Why this conversation matters
Rose shares an unfiltered look at the realities of orchestra management today. She explains how soft skills like empathy and communication often matter more than any technical training, how she navigates funding challenges in the independent sector, and what it really takes to build trust as a young woman in leadership.
Whether you’re an emerging arts manager, a performer thinking about a pivot, or simply interested in the future of classical music, Rose’s perspective is both practical and deeply inspiring.
You’ll learn
How Rose shifted from studying flute to managing orchestras
What she discovered working in both the Italian and German cultural sectors
Why she believes soft skills are critical for future arts leaders
The realities of funding and adapting artistic projects in the independent scene in Germany
How she balances artistic vision with financial constraints and builds trust across generations
Why critical thinking and flexibility are key to the future of arts leadership
“However confident you are, being a young woman can still make leadership more challenging, but finding your own firm, kind voice is key.”
“You can’t not develop concepts together in the independent scene. Funding forces you to be flexible and creative every step of the way.”
“I think critical thinking and flexibility are the two qualities we’ll need most as the next generation of arts leaders.”
Resources & ways to connect
Learn more about Kammerphilharmonie Frankfurt here
Learn more about Theater and Orchestra Management Master in Frankfurt here
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