The English National Opera has announced the appointment of André de Ridder as Music Director.

He will assume the position of Music Director Designate in September 2025 and will conduct as Music Director Designate in English National Opera’s 2025-26 Season. He will take up his post in Autumn 2027.

In a statement, Chief Executive of English National Opera, Jenny Mollica said, “We are absolutely thrilled to announce André de Ridder as ENO’s new Music Director. Throughout our rigorous and extensive global search process, we have been deeply inspired by André’s visionary approach, uniquely defined by a compelling blend of innovation and artistry, warmth and generosity. His commitment and readiness to chart new ground in opera make him the perfect fit for ENO. At a time of significant creative renewal for ENO, we look forward to working with André as we continue to build our next chapter across London and Greater Manchester.”

De Ridder added, “It is an honour to have been chosen by English National Opera as their new Music Director. I’ve been privileged to have experienced working with ENO early in my career, which has informed and inspired my own approach to repertoire, new work and always exploring perspectives on bringing great opera to wide audiences. I am immensely excited to join them at this time of change and development, and to have the chance to work again in the Greater Manchester region too.”

De Ridder is currently the General Music Director of Theater Freiburg in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, where he has conducted such works as “Wozzeck,” “Hansel and Gretel,” “Don Carlos,” “The Magic Flute,” and the German premiere of Nico Muhly’s “Marnie.”

He has also collaborated with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra, Orchestre de Paris, Finnish National Opera, Dutch National Opera, Theater Basel, Staatsoper Stuttgart, and Oper Köln.

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