Andrea Sanguineti begins October with a new production of Erich Wolfgang Korngold’s “Das Wunder der Heliane” at the Aalto-Musiktheater Essen, followed by two symphonic concerts with the Essener Philharmoniker on October 15 and 16.

Premiering on October 3, “Das Wunder der Heliane” is directed by Elisabeth Stöppler and features Astrid Kessler as Heliane, Heiko Trinsinger as the Ruler, Tilmann Unger as the Stranger, and Bettina Ranch as the Messenger.

The production places the story in a dystopian world where light and water have nearly disappeared, with sets by Katja Haß, costumes by Nicole Pleuler, and lighting by Ulrich Eh.

First performed in Hamburg in 1927, “Das Wunder der Heliane” tells a story of love, sacrifice, and resurrection in a kingdom ruled by a tyrant. Erich Wolfgang Korngold set Hans Müller’s libretto, based on a mystery play by Hans Kaltneker, to a sumptuous late Romantic score. The opera fell out of favor soon after its premiere, and Korngold’s music was later banned by the Nazis. Today, “Das Wunder der Heliane” remains a rarity even in German-speaking countries.

On October 15 and 16, Andrea Sanguineti leads the Essener Philharmoniker in the second symphonic concert of their 2026/27 season at the Philharmonie Essen. Dutch violinist Liza Ferschtman joins the orchestra for Benjamin Britten’s “Violin Concerto.” The program also features Johannes Brahms’s “Tragic Overture” and Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3, “Eroica.”

Since becoming General Music Director of the Aalto-Musiktheater Essen and the Essener Philharmoniker in the 2023/24 season, Andrea Sanguineti has conducted opera productions across a broad repertoire as well as symphonic concerts. His most recent new production in Essen, Giacomo Puccini’s “La fanciulla del West,” enjoyed a successful premiere run, with critics praising the dramatic force and musical nuance of his conducting.

Further performances of “Das Wunder der Heliane” take place on October 11, 17, 23, and 31, November 13, and December 13. The symphonic concerts take place on October 15 and 16 at 7:30 p.m. in the Alfried Krupp Hall.