_{OPERA PLACES} Andrey Andreychik takes us to Hildesheim, Germany

City where you’re working?
Hildesheim, Germany (30 minutes from Hanover!)

How long are you working on contract?
I was fortunate enough to begin my fest position with Theater für Niedersachsen here in Hildesheim in August of 2024. The 2025/2026 season marks my second year here, and I’m already looking forward to 2026/2027! 

What’s the opera house like?
Theater für Niedersachsen is a very special place. It is hard to believe that a theatre situated in a city with a population of approximately 100,000 people can produce between four and five hundred performances per year, employ hundreds of artists in full-time positions, and draw in audiences from all over Germany. During my short time here, I have been lucky to perform a wide range of roles, from classics such as Papageno and Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, to rarities heard for the first time in Germany, now culminating with a dream baritone role as Rigoletto this spring. I truly feel like being a part of this theatre is like being a member of a (very large!) family. 

Where is the most peaceful place in the city?
The “Fields of Gold”- along my running route throughout the city, there is a stretch of open fields surrounded by trees on either side that twice a year resemble gold: canola in the summer and yellow leaves in the fall. 

Best coffee or tea?
At home, provided by my beautiful wife (soprano Sydney Baedke), who convinced me to invest (her words!) in a lovely espresso machine by Lelit. Our local source of beans is Kaffee Rösterei Schuler, a roaster that also offers at-home coffee education and excellent in-house brews. When Sydney is back home in Canada, I can often be found sipping cappuccinos there or at Sena’s Choice along the river. 

Coolest bar or restaurant you’ve been to?
Sadly, my favourite post-opera spot, WeinKostBar, just closed its doors this winter after 15 years. The bar was built off of the remains of the city’s old fortress wall, dating back to the Middle Ages. They were always open late so we could grab a bite to eat and make selections from their extensive wine list after performances – hopefully they will come back! 

An activity you have done that is unique to the area?
After working in the automotive industry in Toronto, I never could have imagined trading four wheels for two (albeit with electric assist), but bike riding around Hildesheim and the surrounding area has become a true pleasure and is the frequent transportation of choice for locals. There are so many trails and places to explore in the vast Lower Saxon back country, including beautiful castles such as the nearby Marienburg Castle.

Is there something unexpected that happens locally that you discovered?
When I started my contract at the end of the summer season, I had no idea that my centrally located apartment would be directly overlooking the month-long Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas Market). Although my rehearsal schedule kept me busy, nothing lifted my holiday spirit during November and December more than the beautiful lights, delicious smells and endless supply of Glühwein right outside my kitchen window. 

How did you find accommodation?
Renting an apartment in Germany is not an easy thing. After subletting five separate times over the course of one year in Berlin, navigating Hildesheim’s rental market was a little less cutthroat by comparison, however it still involved hours and hours of scrolling Kleinanzeigen and WG-Gesucht (the German versions of Craiglist and Kijiji). I actually found my apartment while I was back home in Canada during the summer and took a leap of faith – luckily, it did match the pictures. 

What’s the most important thing you think of when it comes to finding accommodation as a singer?
Unlike working in larger cities in North American or even in Germany, Hildesheim provides a luxury of proximity to the theatre which is a huge benefit with our busy fest schedules. Because I don’t have to rely on public transit or sit in traffic, I can go back and forth in my breaks, eating meals at home and resting before performances, as we will often have rehearsals in the morning and performances in the evening. That has been really important in navigating the demands of fest life! 

Have you had a chance to explore some galleries or museums?
In many ways, living in a smaller city in Germany feels like living in a museum. From houses and streets dating from the 1500s, to stone bridges, to beautiful churches, being in Hildesheim often feels like being transported in time. There is even a famous “Rose-route,” which is a marked path running through the city that connects visitors to two UNESCO world heritage sites, the historic old town and Hildesheim’s famous 1,000-year-old Rosebush. That said, there is a major museum here dedicated to Egyptian History, which I have yet to visit.

Is there anything else you’d recommend?
Hildesheim is centrally located with easy access to cities such as Hamburg, Frankfurt and Berlin. It is a great stop-over at any time of the year, especially for theatre lovers who may be looking to discover something new. So of course, I recommend considering all the shows that Theater für Niedersachsen has to offer not only for opera, but also musical theatre and drama (but especially Rigoletto, which runs until June 21, 2026).