Opus 3 Artists Berlin office to rebrand as Askonas Holt Berlin

Askonas Holt and Opus 3 Artists have announced a rebrand of their presence in Berlin. On 1 July the Berlin branch of artist management company Opus 3 Artists will come under the banner of Askonas Holt, becoming Askonas Holt Berlin.

The merger follows the acquisition of Askonas Holt and Opus 3 Artists by the San Francisco Conservatory in 2022, and the formation of a strategic alliance between the two management agencies. The combined office will welcome Alexander Hollensteiner as its new managing director. He joins Askonas Holt Berlin from German orchestra Kammerakademie Potsdam, which he has led since 2014.

Donagh Collins, chief executive of Askonas Holt and Opus 3 Artists, said: ‘I’m thrilled to welcome Alex to the company. He has terrific experience in so many areas of our business and will be an inspirational colleague. Berlin is an important cultural hub and home to many of the artists we represent. We look forward to building on a century-long legacy of working with great artists, orchestras, opera houses and presenters across the region, as well as arranging tours, developing productions and presenting concerts for the audiences there.’

Hollensteiner will take over from Jonathan Brill, who has led the Opus 3 Berlin office since 2020. Brill will continue as the executive vice president of the company in New York.

During Hollensteiner’s tenure as a managing director, Kammerakademie Potsdam was named as the ‘Orchestra of the Year’ at the OPUS Klassik Awards in 2022. He has also led the development of a large cultural education programme, established an academy for freelance orchestra musicians, and developed a comprehensive sustainability strategy for the orchestra.

Commenting on his new role, Hollensteiner said: ‘Having known and admired my new Askonas Holt colleagues over many years, I’m excited to be joining the company to lead this new chapter in its history. I look forward to working with Katharina and the Berlin team to develop the roster and shape the careers of many outstanding international artists, while also expanding opportunities in German-speaking territories for orchestras and ensembles in partnership with the award-winning tours team in London.’