Semyon Bychkov Named Music Director of Paris Opera Starting 2028

Semyon Bychkov will take over as the music director of the Paris Opera in August 2028, succeeding Gustavo Dudamel, who resigned from the position in May 2023. The announcement was made by the company’s general director, Alexander Neef. Bychkov has signed a four-year contract, during which he is set to conduct two operas and six symphonic concerts each season.

The transition comes after Dudamel stepped down from his role, having served only two seasons of a six-year contract. His departure from the Paris Opera coincided with his announcement of leaving the Los Angeles Philharmonic to join the New York Philharmonic for the 2026-27 season. Bychkov, aged 73, reflected on the circumstances surrounding his appointment, highlighting the enthusiasm expressed by the orchestra musicians during a dinner last August.

“They were quite insistent that I should come to them,” Bychkov shared in a recent telephone interview. He had previously committed to the Czech Philharmonic until the end of the 2027-28 season, but the invitation from Paris proved compelling. He described the musicians’ encouragement as a “trigger” that influenced his decision.

Bychkov’s career has been marked by significant milestones. He underwent lumbar decompression surgery in September 2024 and a hip replacement shortly thereafter, which he stated has restored his health. Born in Leningrad to Jewish parents, he emigrated to Vienna in 1974 and then to the United States the following year. His previous positions include music director of the Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra, the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, the Orchestre de Paris, and the WDR Symphony Orchestra in Cologne.

Bychkov made his conducting debut with the Paris Opera in 2007 and is set to lead Ralph Fiennes‘ opera directing debut on January 26 in Tchaikovsky’s “Eugene Onegin.” He will officially assume the role of music director designate this August.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

Bychkov’s tenure will coincide with significant renovations at the Palais Garnier, the historic opera house that opened in 1875. Following the 2026-27 season, the stage will be closed for two years, while the Opera Bastille is scheduled to close for two seasons around 2030.

“They’ve done absolutely everything in the genre of opera and ballet,” Bychkov remarked about the organization. He sees the upcoming renovations as a historic opportunity for the orchestra to focus on its development as a symphonic ensemble during this period of reduced productions.

As Bychkov prepares to take on this prestigious role, the Paris Opera looks forward to a new chapter under his leadership, navigating both the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.