Klaus Esch

Klaus Esch is a German puppeteer, opera singer, and actor who has performed Samson on Sesamstrasse since 1992, making guest appearances after 2013. He serves as the 4th and final performer of Samson following Peter Roders, Herbert Langemann, and Matthias Bullach. Klaus has also worked with other German performers such as Marita Stolze, Karime Vakilzadeh, Uta Jacobi, and Iris Schleuss. Esch is also another puppeteer who can sing opera too. Other puppeteers who are/were opera singers include Catrina Quintanilla, Abby Hadfield, Galen Fott, and Alana Kerr, all internationally. His operatic voice can be heard in Love for Three Oranges (as a cook), Abduction from the Seraglio (Osmin), and Falstaff (Pistola). I have no idea why Klaus Esch didn't remain on Sesamstrasse after 2013, not to mention have his character be dropped completely. An international Sesame Street just isn't one without a full-bodied character, otherwise there wouldn't be anyone who doesn't have to worry about being out of frame and be crouched below. I'm pretty sure his co-performers miss being on the set with him, but perhaps he was too busy with his opera career to continue on Sesamstrasse. I only hope that Klaus is occasionally seeing his friends outside of his schedule and who knows maybe catch up on things. To be quite fair, Esch is probably happier singing opera than puppeteering, though he still gets interviewed for his work on Sesamstrasse. Which I must say is a good thing because then memories will come back to him. And maybe someday there will be an opera involving puppetry, and maybe he'll do it. Klaus Esch, you've done wonderful as Samson and you're still doing wonderful as an opera singer across Germany. Keep on singing until you decide to stop and always remember Sesamstrasse. I'm sure the puppeteers you've worked with are thinking about you too. Bravissimo Klaus! You have got some sets of pipes Esch!