Semyon Bychkov to succeed Gustavo Dudamel as Paris Opera music director in August 2028

Semyon Bychkov will become music director of the Paris Opera in August 2028 on a four-year contract and will conduct two operas and six symphonic concerts per season.

Semyon Bychkov will take over as music director of the Paris Opera in August 2028, the company's general director Alexander Neef announced. He has agreed to a four-year contract and is reported to conduct two operas and six symphonic concerts each season. Bychkov, 73, currently leads the Czech Philharmonic and has held previous posts with the Orchestre de Paris and other ensembles. His appointment follows Gustavo Dudamel's resignation from the Paris Opera in May 2023. Key facts: - Semyon Bychkov will begin his Paris Opera tenure in August 2028 on a four-year contract. - He is scheduled to conduct two operas and six symphonic concerts per season. - Gustavo Dudamel resigned as Paris Opera music director in May 2023 after two seasons. - Bychkov has been music director of the Czech Philharmonic since 2018 and agreed a contract there through the 2027-28 season; he will become music director designate in August. - Bychkov said he recovered from lumbar decompression surgery in September 2024 and a hip replacement three months later. - The Paris Opera's Palais Garnier stage is due to close for two years after the 2026-27 season, and the Opera Bastille is expected to close for two seasons starting around 2030. Summary: Bychkov's arrival comes as both main Paris Opera houses prepare for extended renovation, which the article reports will reduce the number of staged productions and create scope for more orchestral work. He is due to become music director designate in August and will lead scheduled performances, including upcoming productions noted by the company. The article states he agreed to a four-year term and the specified season program; other long-term plans were not detailed.