World Renowned Oboist Albrecht Mayer to Launch English Translation of Bestselling Memoir
Albrecht Mayer, one of the most celebrated oboists in the world, is set to release the English version of his bestselling memoir, “The Wonder of Sound: How the Power of Music Healed Me”. The book, originally published in German and a Spiegel bestseller, will be released on June 3rd, 2025, to coincide with Mayer’s 60th birthday.
The book launch will be accompanied by a series of reading and recital events featuring Mayer in conversation with co-author Heidi Friedrich. The events will provide a personal account of Mayer’s life, from his childhood struggles with stuttering to his rise to musical greatness. Mayer will also perform pieces by Mozart and Bach at the events, which will take place at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, RSNO Strathclyde Suite in Glasgow, and the RIAM Whyte Recital hall in Dublin.
Mayer’s autobiography offers a unique insight into the life of a world-renowned musician and the healing power of music. From a young age, Mayer’s life took a new direction when his father gave him an oboe and urged him to learn how to play it. Despite facing numerous obstacles, Mayer persevered and has since become the principal oboist of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra and a highly sought-after soloist. Through his book, Mayer hopes to inspire others to never give up and to show appreciation for those who have helped him along the way.
The English translation of “The Wonder of Sound: How the Power of Music Healed Me” will be available for purchase at the events for a reduced price of £20 (RRP £25). Interested readers can also pre-order the book on the publisher’s website.
Albrecht Mayer has been a member of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra since 2002 and has a successful solo career, earning multiple awards including the ECHO Klassik Prize and the Opus Klassik Prize. He has also released numerous recordings with Deutsche Grammophon, many of which have remained on the classical charts for weeks.
Mayer’s memoir is not only a celebration of his musical achievements but also a testament to the healing power of music and the resilience of the human spirit. As his colleague and friend, French horn player Sarah Willis, says, “For us musicians there is nothing more important than sound and Albrecht’s sound is simply sublime.” Mayer’s chief conductor at the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, Kirill Petrenko, also praises the book, saying, “Ever since I first heard him play, I have admired Albrecht Mayer as a great oboist. I am delighted that his thoughts and experiences are now being made available to an English-speaking readership.”
For those interested in reviewing the book or interviewing Albrecht Mayer, please contact Brenda Abbott at beabbott@caritatebooks.com. “The Wonder of Sound: How the Power of Music Healed Me” is published by Caritate, an imprint of franciscanpublishing.com.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.