Paris, January 6, 2026 – The Opéra de Paris has announced the appointment of Semyon Bychkov as its new Music Director. The 73-year-old Russian-American conductor will officially assume the role on August 1, 2028, for a period of four seasons. This highly anticipated decision follows the resignation of Gustavo Dudamel in 2023, and Alexander Neef, Director of the Opéra de Paris, emphasized the importance of a harmonious choice for the orchestra.
Bychkov’s Extensive History with Opéra de Paris
Bychkov is no stranger to the prestigious institution, having made his debut there in 2007 with Un Bal masqué, followed by Tristan und Isolde in 2008, and Elektra in 2022. His engagements also include a lyrical tour in Japan in 2008, a symphonic concert at Bastille in 2009, and an appearance at the Festival Ravel in 2023.
Starting in August 2026, Bychkov will be actively involved as the designated music director in various capacities, including musician recruitment competitions and programming for the house. Upon fully assuming his duties in 2028, he is slated to conduct two opera productions and six symphonic programs per season, both in Paris and on tour.
Immediate Engagements: Eugene Onegin at Palais Garnier
Bychkov is set to conduct the production of Eugene Onegin at the Palais Garnier this January 2026, which notably marks the operatic directing debut of actor and filmmaker Ralph Fiennes. The production will run from January 23 to February 15, 2026. [resmusica.com](https://www.resmusica.com/2026/01/06/semyon-bychkov-nomme-directeur-musical-de-lopera-national-de-paris/) and [operadeparis.fr](https://www.operadeparis.fr/artistes/semyon-bychkov) confirm these dates, with the latter showing the run from January 26 to February 27, 2026.
In a statement, Bychkov expressed his profound emotion and immense honor at the appointment. He highlighted his admiration for the noble tradition of the Opéra de Paris and the many unforgettable moments of musical and human sharing he has experienced with the artists, musicians, and teams of the institution. He emphasized the excellence of the orchestra and choir, noting their unique identity in an increasingly uniform musical world. Bychkov, who has felt at home in France for over 35 years, views this new chapter as both a mission and a privilege, drawing inexhaustible inspiration from French culture, heritage, and people.
Bychkov’s Illustrious Career and Future Plans
Born in Saint Petersburg, Semyon Bychkov emigrated to the United States in 1975, becoming an American citizen in 1983. His international career took off in 1984, leading him to conduct major symphony orchestras and perform in leading opera houses worldwide. He served as Music Director of the Orchestre de Paris from 1989 to 1998. He has also held positions as Principal Guest Conductor of the Saint Petersburg Philharmonic (1990-1994) and Maggio Musicale Fiorentino (1992-1998), Chief Conductor of the WDR Symphony Orchestra Cologne (1997-2010), and the Semperoper Dresden (1998-2003). Since 2018, he has been the Music Director of the Czech Philharmonic. [philharmoniedeparis.fr](https://philharmoniedeparis.fr/fr/magazine/actus/semyon-bychkov-la-symphonie-des-retrouvailles) details his long-standing relationship with the Orchestre de Paris, noting his return to conduct Mahler’s Symphony No. 2 “Resurrection” in September 2021, an emotional reunion as he had opened and closed his initial tenure with the same work.
Bychkov’s discography includes the complete Brahms symphonies with the WDR Symphony Orchestra Cologne. His recording of Lohengrin was named “Record of the Year” by BBC Music Magazine in 2010, and his recording of Schmidt’s Symphony No. 2 with the Vienna Philharmonic was named “Record of the Month.” Since 2013, he has been engaged in a Tchaikovsky Project with the Czech Philharmonic, encompassing concerts, residencies, and recordings of the complete symphonies, three piano concertos, Romeo and Juliet, Serenade for Strings, and Francesca da Rimini.
The Opéra de Paris is confident that Bychkov’s extensive experience and deep connection to the institution will usher in a new era of artistic excellence and innovation.
