Teatr Wielki – Polish National Opera has appointed Yoel Gamzou as Music Director beginning with the 2026-27 season.

The conductor will serve a four-year mandate, succeeding Patrick Fournillier, who has led the orchestra since the 2020/21 season.

Gamzou first appeared at the Warsaw house in January 2026, conducting a symphony concert featuring music by Beethoven, Strauss, and Prokofiev. He has also served as General Music Director at Theater Bremen from 2017 to 2022, and has since appeared regularly at the Vienna Staatsoper, Hamburg Staatsoper, and Bavarian Staatsoper. Upcoming engagements include “Fidelio” at the Bavarian State Opera and Der Freischütz at the Hamburg State Opera.

Gamzou, who is also a composer, is expected to emphasize new commissions by Polish composers under his leadership.

“Two subjects that for me are very important. First of all, new music in general and new commissions. We are planning to commission new operas as often as possible, especially by Polish composers. I think an institution should always not only reproduce the masterpieces of the past but always give platform for new creations,” he said, per an official press release. “Another subject which is crucially important for a Music Director is of course the orchestra. Ultimately, the reason for me to come here was the concert we did together and the wonderful relationship with your orchestra. It’s such an excellent group of musicians you have here. I am really looking forward to working with them.”

The conductor, who grew up in New York, London, and Tel Aviv, was the last student of Carlo Maria Giulini.

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