Born: Worms, Germany

The German conductor and organist, Bernhard Römer, started his artistic at the age of only 13 as part-time choirmaster and organist of the Lukaskirche in his home-town. From 1982 to 1986 he studied organ at the Würzburg Conservatory under Günther Kaunzinger and Gerhard Weinberger, and broadened his knowledge of keyboard music with intensive studies of the harpsichord with Elza van der Ven, Würzburg, and Siebe Henstra, Utrecht. He completed his musical training, studying conducting with Helmuth Rilling and organ with Jon Laukvik, Marie-Claire Alain and Ludger Lohmann.

In 1986 Bernhard Römer assumed the position of director of music and organist at the Christuskirche in Aschaffenburg. After serving there for three years, he moved to the city of Hildesheim, where he found a new challenging position at the gothic St.-Andreas-Kirche with its outstanding Beckerath organ (63 sounding registers, 4734 pipes, 32' open diapsons). Since 1989 he has been director of music and organist of St. Andrews. At his initiative several ensembles were founded.

Due to his extensive artistic activities both in Germany and abroad - he represented Germany at the X. Tallin Organ Festival (Estonia), participated at the Stuttgart International Bach Academy, etc. - Bernhard Römer has gained a very good reputation as an organ and harpsichord soloist, chamber music partner, and conductor. And although he does not restrict his work to any musical period, he is especially known for his interpretation of the work of J.S. Bach. Römer played the complete organ work of Bach. His choirs perform oratorios, motets, cantatas, chorals, etc. of the famous German composer.

Bernhard Römer produced numerous recordings for national and international radio stations. His discography (soloist, conductor) includes organ music (from Buxtehude to Vierne) as well as vocal and symphonic literature from various periods.

Since 1996 Bernhard Römer has also served as secretary of the Cultural Society (Kulturring) in Hildesheim.

Source: St. Andreas-Kantorei Hildesheim
Contributed by Aryeh Oron (May 2005)

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