The Gran Teatre del Liceu has named Jonathan Nott its new Music Director.

Nott will begin his artistic chapter with the company from 2026-27.

In a statement, the conductor said, “This appointment is a great privilege and truly an honor for me. Since childhood, I have been deeply connected to the world of singing and opera, and whenever I have had the opportunity to conduct in Barcelona, I have felt a very special connection with its audience. Just two weeks ago, I had the chance to attend a performance of ‘Rusalka’ by Dvořák at the Liceu, performed by its magnificent orchestra and chorus under the baton of Josep Pons. The rapport among the musicians and the energy they conveyed were absolutely inspiring. Receiving the proposal to take on the musical direction of the Gran Teatre del Liceu has been an immense honour and a responsibility I take on with great enthusiasm. I am looking forward to reuniting with this great team at the start of the 2026–2027 season and embarking on this enriching journey together.”

Nott will succeed Josep Pons, who added, “I warmly applaud the appointment of Jonathan Nott as my successor in the musical direction of the Gran Teatre del Liceu. I believe it is an excellent decision and wonderful news both for the Theatre and for the musical world of our country. The Theatre has done things right: with a careful selection process, in a discreet manner, and for the first time, with the involvement of the Orchestra throughout this journey. My warmest congratulations also to Jonathan. He will find a great Theatre, with top-level musical ensembles, full of enthusiasm and eager to make the best music possible. Congratulations!”

Nott is recognized as one of the undisputed names in orchestral conducting on an international scale and has conducted at the Frankfurt Opera, Lucerne Opera, where he was Music Director, the Lucerne Symphony Orchestra as Principal Conductor, and Ensemble Intercontemporain as Music Director. He has also held the position of Music Director with the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra and Orchestre de la Suisse Romande.

The company also announced Josep Pons as the Honorary Music Director of the Gran Teatre del Liceu starting from the 2026-27 season. The company gave Pons the distinction in “in recognition of the exceptional artistic and cultural merits of Maestro Josep Pons i Viladomat, as well as his strong commitment to the institution.”

Read Related Stories 

• Jonathan Nott Steps Down as Music Director of Orchestre de la Suisse Romande