Already while studying Heinrich Schiff pursued diverse musical interests, attending, e.g., conducting classes with Hans Swarowsky. While at the outset of his career the cello was in the center, conducting gradually became more and more important from 1985 onwards. Many a good advice came from conductors with whom he has been friends. For over 20 years now cello performances and conducting have come to play equal roles in his appearances.
Since 1990 Heinrich Schiff has held various positions as Chief Conductor and Principal Guest Conductor with the following orchestras: Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen, Northern Sinfonia, Copenhagen Philharmonic, Musikkollegium Winterthur, Radio-Sinfonieorchester Stuttgart, Bruckner Orchester Linz and Chamber Orchestra Vienna. With the latter, he performed a highly successful Beethoven cycle in the 2008/09 season, followed by a cycle of Schubert’s symphonies at Konzerthaus Vienna. As an operatic conductor he has led, among others, productions at the Théâtre Royal de la Monnaie in Bruxelles (The Magic Flute, Fidelio).
