(Credit: Lena Obst)

The Hessischen Staatstheater Wiesbaden has announced the death of Christoph Stiller at the age of 53.

Stiller was the Musical Director of studies, Conductor, and Deputy Choir Director at the Hessian State Theater in Wiesbaden. He died unexpectedly on Dec. 17, 2022, shortly before a performance of “Hänsel and Gretel.”

Stiller studied at the Hochschule für Musik in Cologne before he was engaged at the Hessian State Theater in Wiesbaden in 1997, where he remained loyal for 25 years. He went on to conduct more than 500 performances with the company and held his position as Director of Studies with great integrative power.

During his time with the company, Stiller was also the first point of contact for conductors and production teams, who could always rely on his many years of experience at the Hessian State Theater in Wiesbaden and on his musical expertise in order to be able to start fruitful and smooth rehearsals.

Outside of his work at the Staatstheater, Stiller was also the musical director of the Wiesbaden City Choir. He also served as a guest at the Latvian National Opera in Riga and the Teatro Real de Madrid.