On 1 August 2018 Professor Hansjörg Schellenberger was awarded the Verdienstkreuz am Bande of the German Federal Republic. This honour in recognition of public service was conferred on him by the Bavarian minister of state Professor Dr Marion Kiechle in recognition of his global status as a passionate cultural ambassador for Bavaria and Germany and his great contribution to mutual understanding between nations.
The eulogy singled out his outstanding reputation as an oboist and conductor: Hansjörg Schellenberger made an early name for himself on the national and international level through numerous activities, and won many prizes. Together with his long-standing participation in a variety of international musical contexts he has also organised many benefit concerts and charitable media activities.
Professor Schellenberger is particularly interested in the academic education and further training of exceptionally talented young musicians. As an academic teacher he has personally influenced several generations of students, smoothed the way for them in their careers, and encouraged them when they encountered difficulties. At the start of 2013 this passion led to the founding of the “Musik Forum Sachrang e.V.”, a Bavarian local organisation devoted to the common good with a focus on promoting the importance of music and the sponsorship of musical activity.
Photo caption: Minister of State Professor Dr Marion Kiechle and Professor Hansjörg Schellenberger at the award ceremony for the Bundesverdienstkreuz (source: Bavarian State Ministry for Science and Art)