The Next Chapter for Music for Social Change at the Hilti Foundation
Christine Rhomberg reflects on 13 years of work in the social music ecosystem as Kerstin Appel steps into leadership.
As the Hilti Foundation's "Music for Social Change" focus area embarks on its next chapter, we sit down with two remarkable leaders. After years of dedicated service, Christine Rhomberg reflects on a tenure marked by profound growth and systemic change, celebrating the transformative power of music in communities worldwide. Stepping into this vital role is Kerstin Appel, who shares her initial impressions from her immersive field trip to South America, offering fresh perspectives and aspirations for the future of this impactful work. In the following conversation, they reflect on achievements, share future aspirations, and discuss music's continuing role in driving social change.
As Christine Rhomberg transitions from her leadership role, we asked her to share some of the defining moments and deep satisfactions from her years at the helm.
Reflecting on your tenure, what have been the most significant systemic changes or strategic developments you've helped foster in the Music for Social Change sector?
Working in music for social change rarely offers quick, glamorous successes. Instead, it's an ongoing commitment built on the conviction that music enriches and transforms lives.
Over the years, we've successfully fostered the growth of new and young programs, providing crucial strategic support and guidance. It's deeply satisfying to see these programs develop, grow, and professionalize despite numerous challenges. We've always understood that this development requires a long-term, sustainable approach. The Hilti Foundation sees itself as more than a sponsor; we've built trusting partnerships, achieving great results together.
Furthermore, we've prioritized developing ideas relevant to the entire sector. We've tackled larger issues like creating networks and developing teacher training opportunities within music programs. This holistic approach, combined with our long-term financial commitment, forms the bedrock of our successful work and provides a strong foundation for the future.
Beyond the strategic work, what specific moment or experience stands out as most meaningful to you personally?
There have been many moments of joy and pride over the years. These include our orchestras' concert tours and, more recently, Sinfonía por el Perú's youth choir winning the "Summa Cum Laude" international choir competition in Vienna in 2024.
However, it's less about the successes themselves and more about witnessing how individual personal development blossoms into a shared satisfaction for all. This reflects successful collaboration, where every person in the choir or orchestra understands and embraces their role for collective achievement. Behind every performance lies immense dedication, months of hard work, and a profound will to excel from students, teachers, and mentors alike. It's a system where everyone contributes their best. Such successes not only strengthen the choirs and orchestras but also serve as powerful role models, motivating and instilling pride in everyone involved in these programs.
Another deeply significant moment was establishing the Academy for Impact through Music (AIM) in 2020. AIM was created to support the music for social change ecosystem, helping programs worldwide develop in teaching, leadership, and impact through innovative methods. This offering now reaches numerous global programs, fundamentally transforming how social music initiatives are structured.
The Hilti Foundation's approach to Music for Social Change emphasizes systemic change. How have the music programs developed to create impact that extends beyond individual students to families and entire communities?
We're proud to have several impressive programs in our Music for Social Change portfolio. These initiatives go beyond just music education for children and youth; they have structured plans to involve and benefit the entire family and community. This requires a clear strategy, integrated into a program's objectives from the very beginning, not just added later. Implementing such a strategy takes time, competent teams, and the long-term commitment of sponsors. It also demands consistent self-reflection and critical monitoring of every step to achieve the desired impact, which is always our foundation's conclusive goal.
Ultimately, I believe it's the families of our beneficiaries who truly grasp the profound impact these music programs have on their children. They view these programs as a school of life, preparing young people more robustly for adulthood. This is because the programs foster holistic development, uncover talents and abilities, and ultimately evoke decision-making skills that enable them to transcend the limitations often imposed by their backgrounds. As role models, these young participants often inspire their parents and siblings, motivating them to believe in themselves and strive for personal growth.
Looking ahead, what do you see as the most important priorities for advancing music for social change as a field?
For years, the role of art and culture, especially in education, has been significantly diminished, often playing a subordinate role. Creativity and cultural education have largely vanished from curricula, yet these are precisely what prepare young people for life and equip them for society's future challenges.
My greatest hope is that we succeed in strengthening the understanding of music and the arts' value and potential within society, particularly among political decision-makers and educational administrators. Sustainable project financing, one of today's most significant challenges, will only be possible if the private and public sectors join forces. We need to work towards this, and we need better documentation of music programs' impact, which the Hilti Foundation aims to focus on in the coming years. Ultimately, this is an investment not only in individual projects but in the entire ecosystem, which struggles with impact measurement. I personally intend to remain committed to this effort even after my time at the Hilti Foundation. There's still so much to do.
Then, we spoke with Kerstin Appel about stepping into this leadership role, her perceptions of music as a driver of social change, and her aspirations for what lies ahead.
Having recently stepped into this role, what has stood out most from your early experiences visiting programs in South America?
Having joined the Hilti Foundation at the beginning of June, my initial week was spent in the office, theoretically diving into "Music for Social Change" with Christine Rhomberg. Now, in my second week, I'm incredibly fortunate to be on this field trip to South America, accompanied by Christine and our CEO, Werner Wallner. This journey allows me to visit different projects in Colombia, Chile, and Peru, gaining a deeper understanding of their organizational structures, witnessing their social impact firsthand, and meeting the dedicated individuals I'll be working closely with.
I've received such a warm welcome from everyone and am truly overwhelmed and deeply impressed by the incredible work our project partners are doing. Seeing the often-hopeless situations young people face in these communities, and then witnessing the profoundly positive impact music has on their lives, has left a significant impression on me. It's a very humbling experience. I've followed the Hilti Foundation's impressive work with great interest for a long time, and it's a true privilege to now contribute to these amazing projects.
You came to this role with a background in music. How does seeing these social programs compare to your previous experiences?
Music and the arts have always been a significant part of my professional and private life. As a child, I played the piano for many years and personally experienced the positive impact music had on me. My first job after university was with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, where the education department was actually larger than the artistic department—a clear indicator of how vital it is to introduce children to music early on. Music is a perfect tool for developing qualities like teamwork, responsibility, and respect.
Visiting some of these projects over the past few days and speaking with young participants has truly highlighted the wonderful impact music has on them. They expressed their joy and pride in being able to play an instrument within a musical group—a kind of safe space where they feel valued and taken seriously.
As you settle into this leadership role, what excites you most about the work ahead, and where do you see the greatest opportunities to contribute?
As I delve deeper, I'm utterly convinced about music's profound developmental impact on children and teenagers. I've also learned that this impact extends beyond participants, benefiting their families and communities too. Since the Hilti Foundation builds long-term, sustainable relationships with its partners, these organizations have the time to grow and professionalize, creating ever-increasing social impact.
Christine Rhomberg has done an incredible job over the past 13 years, and I'll do my best to continue her work for the benefit of the children and young adults in these programs. I'm also really looking forward to contributing to the Hilti Foundation's new strategy for Music for Social Change. And, of course, I'm thrilled to meet and collaborate with so many inspiring and passionate people.
Based on your experience and what you've observed so far, how do you plan to contribute to and develop this work further?
I'm currently in a phase of observing and learning. In my past roles, I've regularly worked on the professionalization of arts organizations, and I believe I can contribute my experience in this field. Some of our projects are entering a new stage of professionalism, which includes, for instance, intensifying the measurement of their social impact. I'm very happy to support them with my experience here.
Since I enjoy bringing people together, I'll also continue to build networks to bundle forces and act more effectively. The goal is clear: the greater the social impact, the better. I want to play my part in supporting these organizations to be as effective as possible in their work and to create the maximum social impact.
As Christine Rhomberg’s leadership role transitions to Kerstin Appel, the work goes on with both continuity and fresh perspective—building on established foundations while exploring new opportunities for growth and impact.