From 1 April 2026, Dr Sonja Hammerschmid will be responsible for the strategic and commercial management of the world's largest theatre group. This includes the Vienna State Opera, the Volksoper Vienna, the Burgtheater (with the Akademietheater) and the ART for ART Theaterservice GmbH.
The appointment of Dr. Sonja Hammerschmid for five years was made by Vice-Chancellor, Minister of Culture Andreas Babler in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Theatre Organisation Act. „With Dr Sonja Hammerschmid, a woman is taking on responsibility who has repeatedly asserted herself in male-dominated sectors. She has achieved this through her expertise, her solution-orientated approach and her personal commitment. And it was precisely these qualities that led the independent selection committee to unanimously recommend Dr Hammerschmid as the most suitable candidate,“ explains Vice-Chancellor and Minister of Culture Andreas Babler.
„I'm really looking forward to the task, but it also instils me with respect. After all, we are talking about the flagships of the Austrian art and culture nation with the highest international appeal. I will bring all my management experience - especially that from my time as Rector and President of the University - to this role in order to support the federal theatres in the best possible way in implementing their cultural policy mission. We are all united by the goal of continuing to experience countless artistic highlights at the State Opera, the Burgtheater and the Volksoper,“ said Dr Sonja Hammerschmid
„We warmly congratulate Sonja Hammerschmid on her appointment as Managing Director of Bundestheater-Holding and look forward to a successful collaboration,“ emphasises ART for ART Managing Director Petra Höfinger together with her team.
