Hans Walter Richter

Hans Walter Richter is a lecturer in dramatic teaching at the University of Music Würzburg, where he trains young singers and directors in the art of opera and music theatre. In parallel to his pedagogical role, he maintains an active career as a freelance opera director whose productions have been staged at leading German-speaking theatres.

Education

• Johann Wolfgang Goethe University Frankfurt – Theatre, Film and Media Studies & Musicology

Research & Creative Focus

Richter’s artistic work spans traditional repertoire and contemporary pieces, with a special emphasis on children’s and chamber opera. He is noted for directing rarely performed works—such as Donizetti’s Linda di Chamounix—as well as commissioning and premiering new scores, e.g., Anna Toll in Frankfurt. His pedagogical approach integrates practical stage experience with academic reflection on narrative structure, dramaturgy and audience engagement.

Honours

• Nomination for Best Production 2015 – trade journal Die Deutsche Bühne

Professional Engagements

Richter’s career began as a stage manager at Stadttheater Gießen, followed by assistant-director positions at Frankfurt Opera (from 2008/09) where he worked with distinguished directors such as Christof Loy, Vera Nemirova and Keith Warner. Since 2014 he has returned regularly to Gießen as guest director, expanding his portfolio to include works by Jake Heggie, Gustav Holst and Mozart. Recent guest engagements have taken him to Landestheater Coburg, Theater Münster and Tiroler Festspiele Erl.