Opéra national de Paris has this morning announced the appointment of Semyon Bychkov as Music Director. He will begin his tenure on 1st August 2028 for an initial four seasons.
As Music Director, Bychkov will conduct two opera productions and six symphonic concert programmes each season, in Paris and on tour. From August this year will become Music Director Designate, overseeing the artistic quality of the orchestra, chorus and vocal coaches, and contributing to programme planning.
Music Director and Chief Conductor of the Czech Philharmonic since 2018, Bychkov will hand that role over to Jakub Hrůša at the end of the 2027–28 season. Born in Leningrad (now Saint Petersburg), Bychkov emigrated to the United States in 1975 and has lived in Europe since the mid-1980s. From 1989 to 1998, he served as Music Director of the Orchestre de Paris.
“French culture, heritage and people are an endless source of inspiration for me: for over 35 years, France has been my home. I see this new chapter of my life being a mission and a privilege,” Bychkov said of his appointment.
The Opéra national de Paris has not had a Music Director since the resignation of Gustavo Dudamel in May 2023. Dudamel – who will begin his role as Music Director of the New York Philharmonic this Autumn – stepped down two seasons into a contract that was supposed to run until 2027, citing “personal reasons”.
The General Director of Opéra national de Paris, Alexander Neef, said this morning during the announcement, “The appointment of Semyon Bychkov as Music Director continues a long association with the Paris Opera, marked by memorable artistic encounters and a common desire to work together.” He confirmed that Bychov’s appointment meant that he would “serve the House as a whole whilst reaffirming the place of the symphonic repertoire alongside the operatic repertoire.”
Semyon Bychkov's appearances in the 2025–26 season include conducting Eugene Onegin, directed by Ralph Fiennes, which opens at the Palais Garnier on 23rd January.
