The Essen Theatre and Philharmonic (TUP) attracted approximately 299,000 visitors during the 2025/26 season. This corresponds to a similar level to the 2024/25 season, which saw 306,000 visitors, the theatre announced on Monday. The overall occupancy rate for the 939 performances was 71 percent (compared to 910 performances and 72 percent occupancy in the previous season).

Aalto Music Theatre Essen

The Essen Philharmonic's concert program, featuring major guest orchestras and solo performances, was attended by more than 92,000 people (compared to 89,000 in the previous season). The Essen Philharmonic, under General Music Director Andrea Sanguineti, attracted 40,000 visitors, approximately 3,000 more than in the 2024/25 season.

The Aalto Music Theatre recently recorded 70,000 audience members (previous season: 80,000). The Aalto Ballet Essen reported 54,000 guests (compared to 58,000 in the 2024/25 season). Total theatre attendance was just under 40,000 (previous season: 43,000).

During performances outside of Essen, the various departments attracted an additional 5,000 visitors. This was supplemented by free in-house events such as the TUP Theatre Festival and "Park Sounds," which drew several thousand guests.

The Essen Theatre and Philharmonic (TUP) employs 700 people across five divisions: Aalto Music Theatre, Essen Philharmonic Orchestra, Aalto Ballet Essen, Essen Philharmonic, and Essen Theatre. TUP is a wholly owned subsidiary of the City of Essen.

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