6. Think Tank: Educated, but incapable of the whole!

Nikolaus Harnoncourt and the Creative Primordial Force of Un-Disciplined, Unleashed Thinking
Panel discussion with Prof. Ernst Smole and other stakeholders
Moderation: Tanja Obmann-Lichtblau
May 9, 2026, 11:00 AM

The problems facing humanity in the first two decades of the new century require – unlike the 20th century – interconnected, global thinking and local action. The strict separation of STEM and non-STEM disciplines, along with the accompanying thought patterns, inevitably reaches its limits in light of geopolitical challenges.

We observe this "delineation" in our everyday lives, but also in political discussions, resulting in often stagnant progress – for example, in education or health reform, or in questions of climate and global politics.

Nikolaus Harnoncourt never allowed himself to be confined to a framework from childhood. As an eternal seeker, he constantly questioned everything and himself. Was he a musicologist? No. He was a researcher and a re-thinker who always applied his findings practically. Was he a certified educator? No. His lectures on performance practice at the Mozarteum Salzburg starting in 1973 were stormed by students and viewed with skepticism by professors. His insights sparked discussions. He sought contradiction to grow from it. Was he an author? No, but his books are read all over the world. Was he a trained conductor? No. He conducted with conviction.

Nikolaus Harnoncourt was an example of how extraordinary things can arise when one thinks and acts outside of conventions – and against the resistance of respective specialists. There are Nobel laureates who are awarded for achievements outside of the discipline that is their actual profession, or the study from the USA that shows that most Nobel laureates – compared to scientists without a Nobel Prize – engage in artistic and craft activities at a high level in their free time, without being formally "professionals" in these areas.

FREE ENTRY
Registration is requested: https://register.bruckneruni.at/e/denkwerkstatt6
The event will be live-streamed.
Access is barrier-free.
As part of the International Harnoncourt Days program.