Theater Erfurt with new General Music Director

After a lengthy vacancy, Theater Erfurt has a new General Music Director (GMD) in Hermes Helfricht. The 33-year-old has signed a contract running from July 2025 to July 2027, the theater announced. However, Helfricht will also be responsible for concert projects as Chief Conductor of the Elbland Philharmonie Sachsen from the 20025/26 season after mutual agreement.

"With him, Theater Erfurt is gaining an up-and-coming yet experienced conductor who will provide fresh impetus," said Artistic Director Malte Wasem about Helfricht. The personnel decision met with such broad approval within the company. He had prevailed against two competitors. The young conductor was already Second Kapellmeister in Erfurt in the 2015/16 season. As the new GMD, he will be responsible for all concert operations and will be the musical director of the Musiktheater. Helfricht is set to make his debut at the DomStufen Festival in the summer with two performances of Puccini's "La Bohème".

Hailing from Saxony, experience with many orchestras

Helfricht was born in Radebeul near Dresden in 1992. Before studying at the University of the Arts in Berlin, he sang in the Dresden Kreuzchor for nine years and assisted the Kreuzkantor there. He currently works with several orchestras, including the Beethoven Orchestra Bonn.

According to Theater Erfurt, Helfricht is also one of six applicants for the position of GMD beyond July 2027. However, the selection process is still ongoing.