Aalto Theatre

The Aalto Theatre stands in Essen, a city in the Ruhr area of Germany. It is a modern performing arts venue designed by the Finnish architect Alvar Aalto. The theatre houses the Aalto-Musiktheater opera company and the Aalto Ballett ballet company. The Essener Philharmoniker orchestra performs here as well. Since its opening in 1988, the theatre has hosted opera, ballet, concerts and galas. The building’s asymmetrical auditorium and indigo blue seats reflect Aalto’s distinctive style. The theatre’s first leader, Wolf-Dieter Hauschild, served as both Intendant and Generalmusikdirektor from 1992 to 1997. Stefan Soltesz took over in 1997 and guided the Essener Philharmoniker to Orchestra of the Year in 2003 and 2008. Under his direction, the Aalto-Musiktheater was named Opera House of the Year in 2008 by Opernwelt magazine. Visitors find a spacious stage and an auditorium shaped to create excellent sightlines. The indigo blue seats contrast with warm wood finishes throughout the interior. The theatre’s foyer offers views of Essen’s skyline through large windows. Outside, the building’s clean lines and light-coloured stone stand near a busy city square. Inside, programmes list performances by both resident companies and visiting artists.