Semyon Bychkov has been appointed musical director of the Paris Opera

The Paris Opera has announced the appointment of Semyon Bychkov as music director, filling the position left vacant by Gustavo Dudamel. Bychkov, a Russian conductor who is a naturalized American and adopted French, will begin collaborating with the orchestras of the Opera on August 1, 2026.

At 73 years old, he is currently the music director of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra and has conducted renowned orchestras, including the Orchestra of Paris. Throughout his career, Bychkov has led notable productions at the Paris Opera, such as "Un bal masqué" and "Elektra." Born in Leningrad, Bychkov emigrated to the USA in 1975 due to his political views and has continued to have a successful international career, conducting prestigious orchestras and having close relationships with the Royal Academy of Music.