(Credit:© Liliya Namisnyk)

The Deutsche Oper am Rhein has named Vitali Alekseenok its new chief conductor.

The 32-year-old conductor from Belarus will take the position starting 2024-25 succeeding General Music Director Axel Kober, did not renew his contract with the Deutsche Oper Rhein after 15 seasons.

Alekseenok conducted at the Deutsche Oper am Rhein for the first time about a year ago and was appointed Kapellmeister for the 2022-23 season. In this position, he conducted such works as Mozart’s “The Magic Flute,” Humperdinck’s “Hansel and Gretel,” and Puccini’s operas “Tosca” and “Turandot.”

From August 2023, Alekseenok will initially work closely with Axel Kober as First Kapellmeister and Deputy General Music Director before taking over the position of Chief Conductor for three seasons in August 2024.

In a statement, the conductor said, “Working at the Deutsche Oper am Rhein with its two venues, the two first-class orchestras, the large ensemble, and the repertoire of pieces offers me special experiences and great development opportunities. I feel very comfortable here, challenged in the best sense of the word, and am really looking forward to taking on more responsibility.”