The Deutsche Stiftung Musikleben is a foundation whose purpose is the promotion of musical excellence in Germany. The organisation was founded in 1962 by Hans Sikorski and Wolfgang Essen and is based in Hamburg. The patron of the Foundation is President of Germany. From 1971 to 1984, headed the Foundation. Since 1992, the Foundation has been headed by Irene Schulte-Hillen. The foundation has three main focuses in the promotion of young, highly talented musicians: