Semyon Bychkov and Alexander Neef @ James Bort / Opera de Paris
Alexander Neef, Director General of the Opéra national de Paris, announces the appointment of Semyon Bychkov as Music Director, effective 1 August 2028, for four seasons. From 1 August 2026, Semyon Bychkov will accompany the musical ensembles of the Paris National Opera as Music Director Designate.
A leading figure on the international music scene, Semyon Bychkov is renowned for his mastery of both the symphonic and operatic repertoires and for the importance he attaches to the dialogue between orchestra, voices and stage. His appointment marks a new chapter in the artistic project of the Paris Opera, under the direction of Alexander Neef.
As Music Director Designate from 1 August 2026, Semyon Bychkov will be responsible for overseeing the artistic quality of the orchestra, chorus and vocal coaches, and will contribute to programme planning and to the principal auditions for the recruitment of musicians.
As Music Director, Semyon Bychkov will continue these responsibilities and will conduct two opera productions and six symphonic concert programmes each season, in Paris and on tour.
Alexander Neef said:
Semyon Bychkov and Alexander Neef @ James Bort / Opera de Paris
“The appointment of Semyon Bychkov as Music Director continues a long association with the Paris Opera, marked by memorable artistic encounters and a common desire to work together.
“For nearly twenty years, he has forged a close bond with the House through major productions — Un ballo in maschera (2007), Tristan und Isolde (2008), Elektra (2022), and soon Eugene Onegin (2026) — as well as through the first operatic tour to Japan in 2008, and a series of symphonic projects, including a concert devoted to Richard Strauss and Dmitri Shostakovich in 2009 and his participation in the Ravel Festival with a programme dedicated to Antonín Dvořák in 2023. Over the years, these artistic collaborations have fostered a strong relationship with the Paris Opera.
“In a context of major works, within the framework of the ‘Nouvelle ère, nouvel air’ initiative, Semyon Bychkov will carry forward an ambitious project for the Orchestra and the Chorus, serving the House as a whole whilst reaffirming the place of the symphonic repertoire alongside the operatic repertoire. His work will be anchored in a constant dialogue between stage and pit, underpinned by a shared commitment to artistic excellence.”
Semyon Bychkov said:
“I am deeply honoured to be invited to join the family of the Opera 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 Opera 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 Opera 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.
“French culture, heritage and people are an endless source of inspiration for me: for over 35 years, France has been my home. I see this new chapter of my life being a mission and a privilege.”
Born in Saint Petersburg, Semyon Bychkov emigrated to the United States in 1975 and has lived in Europe since the mid-1980s. From 1989 to 1998, he served as Music Director of the Orchestre de Paris. 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).
Music Director and Chief Conductor of the Czech Philharmonic since 2018, Semyon Bychkov and the Orchestra have given numerous concerts in Prague, and toured extensively throughout Europe, Asia and the United States.
The Year of Czech Music 2024 was marked by the recording of Smetana’s Má vlast and Dvořák’s Symphonies Nos. 7, 8 and 9. In spring 2026, PENTATONE will release a box set of Mahler’s symphonies recorded with the Czech Philharmonic over the last eight seasons.
Semyon Bychkov was named Conductor of the Year at the International Opera Awards in 2015 and by Musical America in 2022.
At the helm of the Paris Opera Orchestra, he has conducted Giuseppe Verdi’s Un ballo in maschera, directed by Gilbert Deflo, in 2007 at the Opéra Bastille; Richard Wagner’s Tristan und Isolde, directed by Peter Sellars, in 2008 at the Opéra Bastille and on tour in Japan; Richard Strauss’ Metamorphoses and Dmitri Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 7 ‘Leningrad’ at the Opéra Bastille in 2009; Richard Strauss’ Elektra, directed by Robert Carsen, in 2022 at the Opéra Bastille; and the concert dedicated to Antonín Dvořák at the Ravel Festival in 2023, featuring the Carnaval and In Nature’s Realm Overtures and Symphony No. 9, From the New World.
As part of the Paris Opera’s 2025/26 season, Semyon Bychkov will conduct Eugene Onegin, directed by Ralph Fiennes, from 23 January to 15 February 2026 at the Palais Garnier.
Title image: Marco Borggreve; Signing images: James Bort / Opera de Paris