Who was Gabriel Feltz? Belgrade Philharmonic chief conductor's career highlights explored as he dies at 55

Gabriel Feltz was recognized as one of the best German conductors who focused on opera and symphonic repertoire. He was also a huge lover of 19th and 20th-century music. He was 55 years old when he passed away. The cause of death is yet to be made public.

Feltz worked as the General Music Director of the City of Dortmund for twelve years, and then he joined the Belgrade Philharmonic in 2017. He quickly rose in ranks and became one of the most well-loved chief conductors in Serbian music.

The Belgrade Philharmonic has made a tribute in honor of its late chief conductor. They posted on their official website and wrote:

"With deep sorrow and heavy hearts, the Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra informs our colleagues, audiences, and the wide Serbian public of the sudden passing of our beloved Chief Conductor, Gabriel Feltz, on August 29, 2025, at the University Hospital in Essen."

It continued:

"His untimely death is an immeasurable loss not only to his Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra, but to Serbian culture as a whole. The Belgrade Philharmonic will present the condolence book on Monday at 10 AM, at the institution’s address at Studentski trg 11."

Highlights of Gabriel Feltz's career as a chief conductor

The memoriam shared by the Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra also highlighted some of Gabriel Feltz's honorable work. It reads:

"Gabriel left an indelible mark on the world stage as one of the most distinguished German conductors, with a career that embraced both opera and symphonic repertoire. He served as General Music Director in Altenburg-Gera from 2001 to 2005, Stuttgart Philharmonic from 2004 to 2013."

Later on, he proceeded to work with Dortmund Opera and Dortmund Philharmonic. The memoriam continued:

"From 2013 until 2024, he led both the Dortmund Opera as a general music director and Dortmund Philharmonic as its chief conductor before taking on the role of Music Director in Kiel in 2024.

However, he only started working with the Belgrade Philharmonic in 2017 and was with them for eight years.

In 2017, he became Chief Conductor of the Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra, an appointment met with joy and excitement by musicians and colleagues alike, who immediately found in him not only a musical leader but also a close friend and tireless companion."

Feltz worked wonders with the Belgrade Philharmonic. As mentioned in the memoriam:

"From the very beginning, Gabriel worked with the Belgrade Philharmonic with passion and perseverance, leading the orchestra to new successes, celebrating them only briefly, while already envisioning the next ambitious challenge. At the same time, he stood by the Philharmonic in its most difficult moments, advocating for its future with relentless energy."

It continued:

"Under his leadership, the Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra entered a new era. Gabriel Feltz inscribed his name in the orchestra’s century-long history as one of its most successful and significant chief conductors. With Feltz, the Belgrade Philharmonic has firmly established itself among the orchestras of the highest international caliber."

The memorial ended with:

"See you at the 'afterparty.'"

Gabriel Feltz's passing is a big loss to the music world, as he was loved for his work in opera and symphonies. His time with the Belgrade Philharmonic and other orchestras made him one of the most respected conductors of his time.

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