Ralf Scheffler (1948 - 2026)

We at the Alte Oper are deeply saddened by the passing of Ralf Scheffler, the co-founder and driving force behind the Batschkapp, with whom we shared a close, collegial and friendly bond for decades. With his passing, Frankfurt’s cultural landscape has lost a passionate advocate and a host who was truly dedicated to his craft.
Whenever the 'Kapp' became too small, the Alte Oper was happy to lend its larger venue. Over the past few decades, artists such as Björk, Jean-Michel Jarre, Rufus Wainwright and Iggy Pop — whose performances would have exceeded the cultural centre's capacity — regularly performed on our stage, creating unforgettable evenings that captured the essence and style of the Batschkapp. Conversely, we at the Alte Oper were drawn to the cult club's charm, and so, for one of our “Auswärtsspiel” series instalments, we sent the Stegreif.Orchester to the place where rock history is made in Frankfurt.
Such “out-of-the-box” encounters were only possible thanks to Ralf Scheffler’s personality: his openness, curiosity and enthusiasm for music. He was a partner who could be trusted unreservedly and who trusted others, making things possible and encouraging others to do the same. We will remember him as a passionate, visionary and highly respected leader whose clarity of thought was deeply valued, whose judgement carried weight and whose word could always be relied upon.
Our thoughts are with his family and all those who were close to him.

(May 5, 2026)