Helmut Branny is a “magician in front of his orchestra“, he has the “masterly ability to put even the smallest musical idea into practice.” (Sächsische Zeitung). However, this is but one aspect to Helmut Branny who has proven himself a multi-faceted artist: member of the world renowned Sächsische Staatskapelle Dresden, musical director of the Dresdner Kapellsolisten and Cappella Musica Dresden, he moreover can be considered a ‘scientist and explorer’ in the field of music. Since many years his interest has been captured by questions concerning the thoroughly-researched interpretation of Early Music. It is his declared aim to awake the language and stylistic elements of Baroque, Classical and Romantic Music in such a way that they translate into vivid and authentic sound. In his opinion reaching authenticity in music results from closely studying the score on the one side and analysing the background surrounding a piece of music on the other side. Sure instinct and detailed detection work help Helmut Branny find a way to the composer’s perspective and hence to the quintessence of his music.

Conducting the Dresdner Kapellsolisten Helmut Branny takes this musical message to the stages of concert halls both in Germany and abroad. He is the “Primus inter Pares” of the chamber orchestra that was founded in 1994. Mainly musicians of the Sächsische Staatskapelle Dresden were united in their passion for the historically informed performance practice of the Baroque, Classical and Romantic Music repertoire. Concerts under the baton of Helmut Branny frequently take the Dresdner Kapellsolisten to important concert halls of Europe and Asia – such as Berliner Philharmonie, Kölner Philharmonie, Mailänder Scala, Tokyo and Osaka – as well as to famous classical music festivals such as Rheingau Musik Festival, Bad Kissinger Sommer, MDR Musiksommer and Janáček-Festival in Ostrava (Poland). From the beginning both audience and critics were enthusiastic about the thoroughly researched, stirring interpretations, the vast repertoire and the energetic performance style of the orchestra. Many CD recordings give audible proof of this inspiring cooperation.

Helmut Branny is also the conductor of the Cappella Musica Dresden – an ensemble founded in 1995 and driven by its enthusiasm and passion for the music of different genres and musical periods. Being one of the founders, his approach to music has significantly shaped the ensemble right from the beginning. With ever-prevailing enthusiasm the Capella Musica commits themselves to performing an extensive repertoire including various styles and time periods.

Furthermore, he is a sought-after chamber music partner f. e. for the Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin, Freiburger Barockorchester, Mitteldeutsche Barocksolisten Leipzig and „Les Amis de Philippe“ Bremen. For further projects he has worked together with the cellist Jan Vogler and the conductor Peter Schreier. Contemporary music is yet another field of interest for Helmut Branny. He conducted several world premieres f. e. of works by Rainer Lischka, Takashi Jashimatsu and Berthold Paul.     

The various concert engagements all over Germany and abroad however do not decrease Helmut Branny´s close connection to Dresden, his home town and former place of studies. Besides being a full-time member of the Sächsische Staatskapelle Dresden, Helmut Branny has been teaching at the musical college Carl Maria von Weber since 1995. There he was also appointed to a professorship in chamber music in 2003. His dedication to the important musical centres of Dresden is underlined by numerous concerts in the Church of Our Lady, at the Dresdner Musikfestspiele as well as the Moritzburg Festival. Over many years a strong collaboration has developed with the famous Dresdner Kreuzchor.

One of the highlights of last season was the musical “Anatevka” at the Dresdner Musikfestspiele in the Schauspielhaus Dresden.

The Dresdner Kapellsolisten toured to Meran and Brixen performing the “St. Mathews Passion” with the Dresdner Kreuzchor.

He also conducted very successful concerts in the Philharmonie in Cologne, the Schauspielhaus in Berlin, the Rheingau Music Festival, the Festival Mitte Europa and the Lausitzer Music Summer Festival as well as a tour with the trumpet soloist Alison Balsom in Germany and Austria.

The newly released CD “My Tunes 2” (SONY - Release: June 2010) is a good example of his frequent work in collaboration with cellist Jan Vogler.

Amongst many other concerts next season Helmut Branny will be conducting the Dresdner Kapellsolisten performing the opera “Teofane” by Antonio Lotti at the Händel Festival.

One of the numerous CDs in progress will feature concertos and symphonies by Haydn, Vanhal and Mozart.

Helmut Branny received the German Music Award “Echo Klassik 2010” for the recording “Weichet nur, betrübte Schatten” with violist Nils Mönkemeyer.

Season 2010/11