Lydia Steier: New face of the Ruhrtriennale - innovation and talent!

Lydia Steier: New face of the Ruhrtriennale - innovation and talent!

July 8, 2025 brings exciting news for the cultural world: Lydia Steier will take over the directorate of the Ruhrtriennale from the 2027 season. It is the latest artistic direction of the renowned music and theater festival, which is known for its innovative formats. The Ministry of Culture in North Rhine-Westphalia even described Steier as a "rock star among opera directors" and thus emphasizes its remarkable career. The focus of her work is always an innovative approach that she has already demonstrated on international stages, including the Frankfurt Opera and the Salzburg Festival, as NDR.

on November 1, 2026, Steier officially takes up her office. In front of her Ivo van Hove will lead his second season from August 2025. Lydia Steier took over the artistic direction after a unanimous decision by the Supervisory Board of Kultur Ruhr GmbH and a decision of the state cabinet. At the presentation of the new director Minister Ina Brandes praised Steier's international recognition and her ability to make art tangible.

a program for all

Steier itself describes the Ruhrtriennale as its "love letter to art". Your goal is to design a program that promotes encounters and participation. Garrelt Duin, the regional director of the Ruhr regional association, was pleased with the cooperation and emphasized that Steier's international successes will enrich the Ruhrtriennale. Last year, the event recorded around 70,000 visitors in Bochum, Duisburg and Essen. Impressive 35 productions, including 13 own and co-productions as well as five premieres, are announced for the season from August 21 to September 21, 2025.

The Ruhrtriennale transforms the unique industrial legacy of the Ruhr area into impressive venues for music theater, drama, dance and visual art. The anticipation for the coming years is great: Steier started her directorial career at the German National Theater Weimar in 2009 and has made a name for herself as a director who has an eye for powerful productions.

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