SENSATION in Bayreuth: New General Manager from Berlin appointed!

SENSATION in Bayreuth: New General Manager from Berlin appointed!

It is July 18th, 2025 - a date that will go down in the history books of the traditional Bayreuth Festival! The eagerly awaited news about the management reorganization has finally been announced: Matthias Rädel, the outstanding theater director from Berlin, is the new general manager! [ZVW] reports that this decision was made unanimously by the festival's administrative board - a testament to the trust in Rädel, who has served as deputy managing director and senior controller at the Deutsche Oper Berlin since 2006.

But what does this appointment mean for the festival? Bavaria's Arts Minister Markus Blume described Rädel as an experienced theater manager with unsurpassed business knowledge and an artistic interest that makes him the ideal candidate! What a sensation! Minister of State for Culture Wolfram Weimer also praised Rädel as the “right choice” and warned about the expert qualifications he brings to transformation processes!

A new course for the festival

In a radical change, Katharina Wagner, the festival's unmistakable creator, will further intensify her role as artistic director and hand over her responsibility as the new managing director! This not only represents a turning point in the history of the Bayreuth Festival, but also brings with it a huge cultural upheaval! Ulrich Jagels, who has been in office since 2021, is withdrawing from the spotlight, and a letter from the shadows is now here: It's time for change!

The new structure became a condition for the federal government to take over additional shares, which faltered due to notorious financing problems. The plans for further development are more than just a breath of fresh air; They are a storm that is shaking the structures of the Bayreuth Festival! [Bayreuth Festival] aims at an artistic realignment that focuses the management entirely on artistic aspects. Blume emphasized the immense need for an optimal artistic and structural setup - a clear call for a revolution in the festival, which could soon be back in the spotlight!

The future of the Bayreuth Festival

And that's not all! In a bold step, Bavaria will also assume a greater financial commitment to Bayreuth by taking over half of the shares of the Society of Friends of Bayreuth! The new governance structure allows Katharina Wagner to concentrate unhindered on artistic development. The federal government and the Free State of Bavaria now take over a total of 72% of the shares - that's an awful lot of power!

Georg von Waldenfels, the relentless chairman of the board of directors, sees the future commitment as a “positive message”. Hardly anyone was better suited than a fresh spirit like Matthias Rädel to lead the festival into a new era. These spectacular changes at the heart of the festival are not only remarkable, but could revolutionize the entire landscape of classical music!

The question remains: what will happen next? Will the Bayreuth Festival become the legendary venue it once was? Or will the pressure to shine artistically lead to a further kink in the facet of the festival? Time will tell – but one thing is certain: the Bayreuth Festival is on the threshold of an exciting new chapter!

Stay tuned and keep your eyes peeled for more incredible developments in Bayreuth!