Hans Zender

Hans Zender (1936-2019) was a major German composer and conductor who placed an avant-garde perspective in creative dialogue with literary and musical tradition, most famously in his 1993 orchestral re-composition of Schubert's Winterreise. His compositions feature rhythmic flexibility, bright and alert sound, a focus on the voice, and judicious use of extended playing techniques. A recording of his take on Winterreise was issued in 2026 and featured tenor Allan Clayton with Nicholas Collon conducting the Aurora Orchestra.