Hamburg Ballet's Interim Leadership: Volpi Out, New Leaders on the Way
Extension Granted for Ballet Director Demis Volpi at Hamburg Ballet - Hamburg Ballet Company's Dazzling Performances Delight Audience
Prepare for some changes at the Hamburg Ballet! Argentine-German Demis Volpi, the young intendant at the world-famous ballet company, has been given the boot after just a single year in the position. The cultural authority in Hamburg made the announcement, stating that Volpi's contract - age 39 - was prematurely terminated.
The Hamburg State Opera's supervisory board agreed to this decision. Just recently, both parties had come to an agreement on a resolution contract until the end of the season and Volpi's immediate release.
Recent criticisms from dancers
Volpi's successor to the ballet legend John Neumeier (86) has been under fire. Dancers accused him of poor working conditions and lack of competence in a letter to Hamburg's culture senator, Carsten Brosda (SPD).
The management and the ballet ensemble's works council, working closely together, initiated a risk assessment. An anonymous survey was used to question all ensemble members about their work situation, with the results set to be published this week.
Toxic workplace atmosphere revealed
It was made known in early April that five principal dancers would not renew their contracts. Shortly after, 36 dancers - more than half of the ballet company - wrote to Brosda, describing the work environment as "toxic." Seventeen current and former dancers from the Ballet am Rhein in Düsseldorf, where Volpi previously worked, also contacted Brosda.
Volpi's leadership was described as "inconsistent communication, lack of transparency, and an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty," according to the letter. Frequent contradictions in promises and instructions led to confusion and frustration among the dancers.
No common ground for future collaboration
The Hamburg State Opera's supervisory board stated, "We regret that it was not possible to establish a common basis for further cooperation at the Hamburg Ballet."
Volpi explained, "My vision - both artistically and in terms of a modern structure that enables open and responsible cooperation within a ballet company - could not be realized under the current conditions at the Hamburg Ballet, despite intensive efforts. In the interest of all parties involved, we have agreed on a mutual termination of my intendancy."
Bringing in fresh blood
The Hamburg Ballet is now looking for a joint interim leadership team to hold the reins until the end of the 2025/2026 season. Negotiations are currently underway with the deputy ballet intendant Lloyd Riggins, ballet operations director Nicolas Hartmann, and deputy director of the ballet school Gigi Hyatt.
Discussions will also take place with the works council, initiating an externally moderated process to pinpoint requirements for future cooperation and the company's desires for a future ballet director. The results of this process will guide the search for a permanent replacement.
Brosda highlighted the need to lay the groundwork for a long-term successor while maintaining the company's development aligned with existing plans.
A world-renowned legacy left behind
After 51 years at the helm, Intendant Neumeier handed over the leadership of the Hamburg Ballet to Volpi last summer. Neumeier's task consisted of enriching the repertoire with new productions, preserving Neumeier's legacy, and making a name for himself in the process.
American-born Neumeier led the Hamburg Ballet to worldwide acclaim under his leadership. Companies around the globe dance Neumeier's more than 170 choreographies, including narrative ballets like "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and "The Lady of the Camellias" or Bach's "Matthew Passion" and Mozart's "Requiem."
- Hamburg
- Demis Volpi
- Ballet
- John Neumeier
- Carsten Brosda
- Works Council
- SPD
- Opera
An internal shake-up is coming to the Hamburg Ballet as they look to rejuvenate and redefine their brand under new leadership, with interim leaders such as Lloyd Riggins, Nicolas Hartmann, and Gigi Hyatt in the mix [1]. Discussions regarding Hartmann's possible interim role in the Executive Board of the Hamburg State Opera are ongoing [1]. The Supervisory Board of the Hamburg State Opera is taking the initiative to facilitate an externally mediated process aimed at determining guidelines for future collaboration within the company and outlining expectations for new leadership [1][3]. This process is essential in guiding the subsequent search for a permanent director, ensuring the new leader aligns with the company's traditions and modern aspirations.
- The upcoming interim leadership at the Hamburg Ballet, consisting of Lloyd Riggins, Nicolas Hartmann, and Gigi Hyatt, aims to rejuvenate and redefine the company's brand [1].
- In addition to his role at the Hamburg Ballet, discussions are ongoing about Nicolas Hartmann's potential interim position in the Executive Board of the Hamburg State Opera [1]. The Supervisory Board of the Opera is facilitating an externally mediated process to determine the guidelines for future collaboration and outline expectations for new leadership, which will guide the search for a permanent director who aligns with the company's traditions and modern aspirations [1][3].
