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New GMD Hermes Helfricht starts with a big symphony concert in Erfurt!
Erfurt welcomes Hermes Helfricht as the new general music director. He leads the new season with inspiring symphony concerts.
New GMD Hermes Helfricht starts with a big symphony concert in Erfurt!
After a lengthy search, a new general music director (GMD) has finally taken his place in Erfurt: Hermes Helfricht. The 33-year-old, who comes from the Saxon town of Radebeul, has already gained experience as a bandmaster in the Erfurt Theater's orchestra and celebrated his return with an impressive conducting of Puccini's "La Bohème" as part of the Cathedral Steps Festival in August 2025. With his first performance, he laid the foundation for a new era, which he will officially open on September 11, 2025 with the 1st Symphony Concert. The concert is all about the golden 20s, with musical highlights by Prokofiev, Ravel and Strauss that are intended to delight the audience.
Helfricht signed his contract on March 3, 2025 and will take over the musical direction of the Erfurt Philharmonic Orchestra, which looks back on a proud 131-year tradition, until July 2027. The musicians of the orchestra have already expressed their trust in him, and the GMD is enthusiastic about returning to the modern house. “I want to have a lasting impact on cultural life here in the Thuringian state capital,” says Helfricht.
The role of the general music director
The position of GMD is not only an artistic director, but also a key role in the culture of a city. Historically, conductors were often perceived as authoritarian figures who controlled the orchestra and its musical direction with strong influence. But the modern perspective demands that the GMD must be not only a commander, but also a coordinator and creative process leader in order to bring the various aspects of orchestral music-making together harmoniously. This becomes particularly clear through the close collaboration that he has to maintain with the musicians in order to form a creative and artistic identity that resonates in the orchestra's sound language. This balance is crucial for the success of the orchestra and its reputation in the public eye, as has already been described with great orchestral personalities such as the Berlin Philharmonic or in the history of conducting.
The post in Erfurt had been vacant since April 2024 after the contract with Alexander Prior was terminated. Hermes Helfricht's return appears to be a successful decision given his past experiences as a bandmaster as well as his passion and familiarity with the local music scene. Helfricht is also prepared to take on responsibility for awarding symphony concerts from the 2025/26 season, which will be distributed to six applicants, including himself.
Given the positive response to Helfricht's return and his plans for the future, Erfurt residents and all music lovers in the region can look forward to the upcoming concerts and cultural events.