Artistic Director
Margaret Steinitz studied music at Goldsmiths’ College. She joined the LBS as a chorister in 1972, was then invited to join the Committee of Management as Choir Registrar and was later elected Secretary of the Society. She married the London Bach Society’s founder-conductor Dr. Paul Steinitz in 1976.
For the next twelve years Margaret took care of her husband’s busy schedule, managing the affairs of the Society, the annual public series of concerts (including the completion of the LBS Bach cantata cycle in 1987), broadcasts, tours to Bulgaria and the GDR (now part of unified Germany).
Resolving to continue her husband’s work after Dr. Steinitz’s death in 1988 and use his considerable musical legacy effectively, Margaret has since developed the Society for the new century and the exciting challenges ahead, founding the annual Bachfest in 1990, the Journal in 1996, and working with Tim Ireland to produce the LBS’s much-praised website ‘bachlive’ launched to celebrate the arrival of a new century in 2000. She founded the Society’s 18-30 Bach Club in 2009 to mark Paul Steinitz’ centenary.
In addition, Mrs Steinitz has also delivered a paper at a Bach Conference organised by the Bach Network UK which is now published on their website and given public talks on Bachian subjects, most recently for Exeter Bach Society.
With the London Bach Society Council Members, Mrs Steinitz is currently implementing and promoting the LBS Strategic Plan (2012-2016) that includes the provision (either rented, donated or sponsorship-in-kind) of a central office location for the London Bach Society.
Memberships and Awards
Margaret Steinitz has served on various Committees including Westminster Arts Council and as a Trustee of the Dresden Trust. She is also a member of the Royal Philharmonic Society and Musicians Benevolent Fund, and became a Freeman in The Worshipful Company of Musicians in 2012
Margaret has received two significant decorations in recognition of her work. In 2001 she was made an Honorary Associate of the Royal Academy of Music and at a special ceremony held at the German Embassy in London in 2006, Margaret received the Officer’s Cross of the German Order of Merit, a prestigious award made to those who have made an outstanding contribution to the promotion of German culture. Mrs Steinitz received hers in recognition of her work promoting Bach and his music in this country and dedicated the award to her late husband.
Follow Margaret Steinitz on her Facebook page
