The board of New York City Opera has announced the appointment of Constantine Orbelian as the organization’s new Executive Director & Music Director, who will succeed General Director Michael Capasso.

In a statement, Roy G. Niederhoffer, Chairman Emeritus of the Board said, “We look forward to this new chapter in New York City Opera’s story. We are grateful to Michael for his time with NYCO, working tirelessly to bring back the company and programming for New York City audiences to enjoy. We are so pleased to have Constantine’s roles expand as the new leader of City Opera – the future looks bright!”

Orbelian added, “I am honored and excited to take on the role of Executive Director in addition to my current role as Music Director and Principal Conductor of the New York City Opera, a company with such a rich legacy and profound history in the world of music. This opportunity allows me to blend my passion for artistic excellence with mindful and positive stewardship, ensuring that the cherished traditions of this great institution continue to thrive. Together with this wonderful community, we will embark on a journey that honors the past while boldly shaping the future of this iconic opera company.”

Orbelian is a four-time Grammy-nominated conductor who was appointed Music Director and Principal Conductor of the New York City Opera in 2021. He has toured and recorded with Renee Fleming, Sondra Radvanovsky, Lawrence Brownlee, Stephen Costello, Charles Castronovo, and Dmitri Hvorostovsky. Orbelian has been Music Director of the Moscow Chamber Orchestra and the Philharmonia of Russia and is the founder of the annual Palaces of St. Petersburg International Music Festival.

The news comes a day after the company announced that General Director Michael Capasso was retiring from his position. This season, the company will perform in Carnegie Hall in a concert entitled “Music of Survival,” featuring works by Mieczysław Weinberg and Erich Korngold and Mascagni’s “Isabeau.”