Born in 1935 in Romania. He studied singing at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna. After performing as an operatic and concert baritone from 1962 to 1966, he started music management business. In 1988 he was appointed as Secretary-General of the Vienna State Opera, and in 1992 he became its Director (until 2010). He has been an advisor to Spring Festival in Tokyo since its founding in 2005.