Michael Hampe (1935–2022) was an influential opera director and artistic director. Born in Heidelberg, he studied in the USA, Munich, and Vienna. He served as General Director of the National theater Mannheim and later led the Cologne Opera for 20 years, shaping its artistic vision. He was also on the Salzburg Festival's board and directed at major opera houses worldwide, including La Scala, Covent Garden, and the Opéra National de Paris. As a professor, he mentored future theater professionals. He received numerous honors, including the Grand Cross of Merit of Germany.