One of the most important qualities of an opera director is the ability to assemble a team of people who not only have expertise in their field, but also an affinity for musical theatre and its unique challenges. Born in Stuttgart in 1945, Alard von Rohr possessed both qualities in abundance. As the son of the well-known bass singer Otto von Rohr, he was familiar with opera from childhood and, after passing his second state law examination, gained further practical experience as deputy secretary general of the German Music Council. Götz Friedrich did not hesitate to bring the lawyer to the Deutsche Oper Berlin when he took office in 1981. First as general secretary, then from 1994 as opera director and deputy general manager, Alard von Rohr became one of Friedrich's most important colleagues, helping him to establish the opera house's patronage association and, in 1994, co-founding and organising the AIDS Gala. His appointment as State Secretary for Culture by the then Senator Christa Thoben – a position he was to hold for only a few months – ended his official career, but not his commitment to the Deutsche Oper Berlin: Alard von Rohr remained associated with the opera house as a member of the board of the Förderkreis and the Götz-Friedrich-Stiftung and through his organisation of the AIDS Gala.

Now Alard von Rohr has suddenly passed away at the age of 79. The Deutsche Oper Berlin will honour his memory.