Semyon Bychkov
(c) Petra Hajska

The Paris National Opera, has announced the appointment of Semyon Bychkov (73) as music director, effective August 1, 2028, for four seasons.

From August 1, 2026, Semyon Bychkov will accompany the musical ensembles of the Paris National Opera as designated music director.

The American conductor will succeed Gustavo Dudamel, who resigned in 2024. He has been music director of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra since 2018. Previously, he was at the helm of the WDR Symphony Orchestra in Cologne and the Orchestre de Paris from 1989 to 1998.