Opernhaus Zürich Appoints New Music Director
By Francisco Salazar(Credit: Gaetan Bally)
The Opernhaus Zürich has appointed Lorenzo Viotti as its new General Music Director for the 2028-29 and 2029-30 seasons.
The initial contract term is set for two years and is aligned with the current tenure of Artistic Director Matthias Schulz.
Viotti will succeed Gianandrea Noseda, who has shaped the orchestra with artistic clarity, passion, and the highest standards since 2021.
In a statement Matthias Schulz, director of the Zürich Opera House said, “With Lorenzo Viotti, a Swiss conductor is coming to the Zurich Opera House who knows the house extremely well and is one of the most influential voices of his generation internationally. His musicality and presence promise artistic brilliance, courage, and new impulses for our program.”
He added, “I thank Gianandrea Noseda most sincerely for his outstanding work, his deeply rooted musicality, and his professionalism, with which he has decisively shaped the Zurich Opera House as General Music Director since 2021. During his tenure, he has led the orchestra and ensembles to a new artistic level and set internationally visible benchmarks – for example, with the Ring cycles, which were celebrated by audiences and critics alike. We look back on this intensive time together with great respect and gratitude, and with great anticipation for our continued collaboration. Together, we will realize important new productions, concerts, and tours over the next two and a half years – and hopefully beyond.”
Viotti added, “Over the years, Zürich has become a central artistic home for me. From the very beginning, I have experienced continuous support and inspiration here. The musicians, the ensembles, and the institution as a whole embody a unique artistic culture in which music and humanity are inextricably linked. It is a great joy and a privilege for me to accompany this institution as General Music Director and to build upon the outstanding work of Gianandrea Noseda.”
Over the years, Viotti has conducted productions at the Zürich Opera House including “Werther” (2018), “Die Csárdásfürstin” (2020), and “Die tote Stadt” (2025). This season he will conduct a new production of “Die Fledermaus.”
Viotti is also the the chief conductor of the Orchestra in Lisbon and the Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra and he will become Music Director of the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra in Japan.
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