University of Music and Theater, Leipzig

The University of Music and Theatre "Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy", a public institution in Leipzig, is the country's oldest university-level music school. Founded in 1843 by composer Felix Mendelssohn as the Conservatory of Music, the university has a rich history closely tied to Leipzig’s vibrant musical and theatrical culture.

Over the years, the university underwent several name changes, reflecting the political and cultural shifts of the times. In 1876, it became the Royal Conservatory of Music of Leipzig and moved to a new building on Grassistraße in 1887. After the fall of the Kingdom of Saxony, it was renamed the State Conservatory of Music in 1924.

The university experienced further changes during the 20th century, including a period under the direction of Austrian composer Johann Nepomuk David from 1939 to 1945. Following the disruptions of World War II, it reopened as the Mendelssohn Academy in 1946 and was later named Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy University of Music in 1972 in honor of its founder.

Throughout its history, the university has maintained strong connections with prominent cultural institutions such as the Gewandhaus, the Opera Leipzig, and various theaters in Chemnitz, Dresden, Halle, and Weimar. Recognized as a place of cultural significance, it was selected in 2009 as one of 365 locations in the "Germany – Land of Ideas" campaign by the Cabinet of Germany and the Office of the Representative of German Industry and Trade.

Modern developments include the inauguration of a new Great Hall in 2001, recognized by the Association of German Architects, and the opening of additional premises in 2002. Since 2004, the university has hosted an orchestra academy in cooperation with the Gewandhaus Orchestra, aimed at nurturing top musical talent. Today, the University of Music and Theatre "Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy" continues to be a cornerstone of artistic education and cultural heritage in Germany.