Gerhard Geist (?-). German-born conductor and pianist.

Biography

Geist began his career in Germany as assistant conductor for Sir George Solti at the Frankfurt Opera House, where he spent 10 years. He has conducted at leading theatres in Germany, Austria and Poland.

Contributions to South African theatre

Gerhard Geist came to South Africa as artistic head of the Free State Education Department's orchestral training programme (1983) and resident conductor of the PACOFS Symphony Orchestra (1984), later working as a freelance conductor and pianist. He retired from PACOFS in 1997.

Guest was conductor for Faust (Opera Africa, 1998) and Princess Magogo kaDinuzulu (2002).