The Opéra National de Paris has announced that Gustavo Dudamel will be the company’s new music director for the next six seasons, starting on August 1, 2021.

The Venezuelan-born conductor has led over 30 opera productions including five at La Scala and 13 in Los Angeles with the LA Philharmonic and LA Opera. Among the operas he has conducted are “Otello,” “Carmen,” “Tannhäuser,” “Così fan tutte,” and contemporary works by John Adams and Oliver Knussen.

“From the first downbeat, my experience with the artists of the Paris Opera was simply magnificent,” Dudamel said in a press release. “The immediate sensation at that decisive encounter – feelings of trust, connection, musicality, and a shared vision – were born from this first meeting in 2017. The exceptional level of the musicians of the Orchestra and the artists of the Chorus and the strong bond that we were able to weave together during the rehearsals and the performances of ‘La Bohème’ are what made me accept Alexander Neef’s proposal.”

“His appointment reflects our determination to reach out and commit ourselves to an ambitious project that will continue to enhance the reputation of our institution through opera and ballet productions, along with symphony concerts not only in our theatres, but elsewhere, in a repertoire ranging from classical to contemporary,” added the Paris Opera’s general director Alexander Neef in the press release. “His proven commitment to artistic and educational projects and his conviction that culture should be accessible to all will provide new momentum and accompany us in our mission. ”

In 2009 Dudamel was named Chevalier in the French Order of Arts and Letters and in 2019, he was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.