Jakub Hrůša appointed Royal Opera House music director

The Royal Opera House has today announced the appointment of Jakub Hrůša to the role of music director of the Royal Opera. Taking the role of music director designate from today, in September 2025 Hrůša will succeed current music director Antonio Pappano who will join the London Symphony Orchestra after 22 years in the role.

Along with Pappano, Hrůša is set to conduct the Royal Opera House’s first full Ring cycle since 2018. Starting with Das Rheingold conducted by Pappano in September 2023, Hrůša will conduct performances in the 2027/28 Season. In the transitional 2024/25 Season, Hrůša and Pappano will share responsibilities, appearing as special guest conductors across the Season.

Director of The Royal Opera, Oliver Mears, said: ‘We have been hugely impressed by not only his superlative music and theatre-making, but also by the generosity and warmth of his personality: Jakub is a true collaborator, able to get the very best from his colleagues. As a musician of high intellect, thoughtfulness, and a deep conviction in the power of music to change us, he is the perfect fit for Covent Garden.’

This new role is a continuation of Hrůša’s existing relationship with The Royal Opera, having previously conducted Carmen (2018) and Lohengrin (2022) with the company. He also served as music director of the Glyndebourne Tour from 2010 to 2012 as well as conducting productions for Glyndebourne Festival, Salzburg Festival, Vienna State Opera, Opéra National de Paris, Zurich Opera, Frankfurt Opera.

Hrůša will take on his position at Covent Garden alongside his existing roles as chief conductor of Bamberg Symphony, principal guest conductor of the Czech Philharmonic and principal guest conductor of the Orchestra dell’Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia.

He said: ‘I have always dreamt about a long-term relationship with a house where one can reach the highest standards in opera, and I realised very quickly that I adored the whole team of artists and staff at Covent Garden. I am thrilled to accept the position of Music Director, and I feel immensely excited about the future collaboration.’