Semyon Bychkov has been appointed music director of Paris National Opera from August 2028 on an initial four-season term - and will take up the post of 'appointed music director' from August 2026, working with the company's general director Alexander Neef.
From August of this year, Bychkov will oversee Paris Opera's orchestra, chorus and vocal coaches, and will contribute to programming and the recruitment of musicians. As music director from 2028, he will continue these responsibilities and will conduct two opera productions and six symphonic concert programmes each season, both in Paris and on tour.
Semyon Bychkov comments:
'I am deeply honoured to be invited to join the family of the Opéra national de Paris. France has been a home for half of my life. Its people, its heritage and culture never cease to be a source of inspiration.
'I have admired the noble tradition of the Opéra de Paris for many years and lived many unforgettable moments of musical and human contact with the artists and staff of this institution. The foundation of every opera house is manifested in the quality of its orchestra and choir. At the Opéra de Paris the talent of each of these teams allows them to have a very special identity which is uniquely theirs. In the homogenized musical world as it has today become, this uniqueness and devotion to the art form are to be treasured.'
Who is Semyon Bychkov?
Currently chief conductor of the Czech Philharmonic (since 2018), Semyon Bychkov served as music director of the Orchestre de Paris from 1989 to 1998. He was also principal guest conductor of the St Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra (1990-1994), principal conductor of the WDR Symphony Orchestra Cologne (1997-2010) and chief conductor of the Semperoper Dresden (1998–2003).
Born in Saint Petersburg, Bychkov emigrated to the United States in 1975 and has lived in Europe since the mid-1980s. In 2024, it was announced that he will stand down from his role with the Czech Philharmonic at the conclusion of the 2027-28 season.
