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Edilia Gänz has worked in cultural management and philanthropy for the last ten years. Since the
launch of FEDORA – The European Circle of Philanthropists of Opera and Ballet in 2013, she became
the organisation’s director, responsible for its growth and impact. FEDORA is known today as the
world’s largest opera and dance competition and a leading European philanthropic organisation. In
2018, it introduced a digital platform to showcase emerging talent, engage new audiences, and
encourage philanthropy across Europe with the support of the European Commission. In 2021, when
the association is selected to receive a second round of European support, within the frame of a
collaboration between FEDORA and Opera Europa, she piloted the launch of the Next Stage initiative
to drive change and reinvigorate the opera and dance sector in response to the impact of the
pandemic.
While still a student at the University of Mannheim, Germany, Ms. Gänz entered the world of cultural
management, marketing, and philanthropy through her work at the Mannheim Philharmonic
Orchestra. After her graduate studies at ESCP Europe Business School in London and Paris, she
worked at the AROP – The Association for Friends & Donors of the Paris National Opera, where she
was selected to manage the launch of FEDORA.
Forbes Magazine nominated her in 2019, as one of the most promising European cultural managers
on the “Forbes 30 under 30 Europe in Arts & Culture” list. Mariya Gabriel, former European
Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, featured her in the
#EUwomen4future campaign.