Ivan Repušić appointed Oper Leipzig general music director

German opera company Oper Leipzig has announced the appointment of Croatian conductor Ivan Repušić to the role of general music director. Taking up his new post from the 2025-26 season, Repušić succeeds Ulf Schirmer, who has held the role since 2009.

Repušić was put forward for the role by the company’s general director Tobias Wolff and voted in by a selection committee including the representatives of the Gewandhaus Orchestra, Leipzig Opera’s chorus director and chorus and the company’s soloist ensemble plus music journalist Volker Hagedorn.

Wolff said: ‘I am very pleased that we have been able to appoint such an accomplished conductor and passionate musician as Ivan Repušić. His inspirational vision for the development of Oper Leipzig and his extensive network of outstanding international singers will be a real asset to our leadership team!’

Born in Croatia in 1978, Repušić studied at the Academy of Music in Zagreb. He brings to his new role experience as chief conductor and opera director of the Croatian National Theatre, music director of the Dubrovnik Summer Festival, chief conductor of the Zadar Chamber Orchestra and principal conductor of the Staatsoper Hannover.

As general music director Repušić will work closely with Christoph Gedschold who was appointed chief conductor earlier this year. He will make his next appearance with the company on 29 November 29 guest conducting The Magic Flute and will balance his new role with his responsibilities as chief conductor of the Munich Radio Orchestra, principal guest conductor of the Deutsche Oper Berlin and principal conductor designate of the Staatskapelle Weimar.