JUNE 27, 2025 The Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra & Chorale has appointed Peter Whelan as its next Music Director, starting in the 2026–27 season. His initial three-year term will make him the fourth music director in the ensemble’s 45-year history.
Peter Whelan named next Music Director of Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra & Chorale
A conductor, harpsichordist, and bassoonist, Whelan is known for his work with period ensembles, including the Irish Baroque Orchestra and Ensemble Marsyas. He made his debut with Philharmonia in March 2025 conducting Handel’s Alceste and was praised for his historically informed approach and engaging leadership.
Based in London and originally from Dublin, Whelan will oversee programming for the 2026–27 season, including Philharmonia’s regular subscription series and projects such as SESSIONS and Jews & Music. He is also set to make his debut at the BBC Proms in August 2025 with Handel’s Alexander’s Feast, performed with the Irish Baroque Orchestra.
Philharmonia Baroque, based in the San Francisco Bay Area, is recognized for its performances of Baroque and Classical repertoire using period instruments. Whelan succeeds Richard Egarr, who has held the role since 2020.
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JUNE 27, 2025
Louis Langrée reappointed as director of the Opéra-Comique
Louis Langrée will continue as Director of the Théâtre national de l’Opéra-Comique in Paris for a second term, running from 2026 to 2029. The reappointment was announced by the French Ministry of Culture.
Since taking up the post in 2021, Langrée has led the company with a project titled L’Esprit Favart, highlighting the French operatic repertoire from Baroque to contemporary works, with a focus on the opéra-comique genre. His tenure has included new commissions, support for young artists through Campus Favart, and initiatives aimed at expanding and diversifying the audience.
The new term will begin during a season of renovation work at the theatre. Langrée also recently concluded his tenure as Music Director of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and will return as Music Director Laureate in 2025–26.
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Anna Netrebko withdraws from two performances of Aida in Verona
Anna Netrebko will no longer appear in the August 10 and 17 performances of Aida at the Arena di Verona, citing personal reasons. The soprano expressed her regret to audiences expecting to hear her reprise the role in Stefano Poda’s production, which she first performed at the festival in 2023.
While the Arena di Verona has not yet announced a replacement.
Netrebko is still scheduled to sing three performances of Nabucco on July 17, 24, and 31, continuing her seven-year streak at the summer festival. She also confirmed her return to the Arena in 2026.
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Ben Glassberg steps down from Volksoper Wien amid recovery from mental health challenges
Volksoper Wien and Ben Glassberg have announced the end of their collaboration, less than a year after the conductor took over as Music Director. Glassberg had previously served as the company’s Principal Guest Conductor.
“I have tried very hard to be open with my colleagues and friends about my current mental health challenges,” he said in a personal statement. “Thankfully, I am making great progress and feel stronger every day. Stepping away from the Volksoper, as difficult as it is, will hopefully accelerate my recovery.”
Artistic Director Lotte de Beer expressed her gratitude, saying, “Ben Glassberg brought many outstanding artistic moments to Volksoper Wien during his time as a Music Director. We wish him all the best for the future.”
Glassberg, who will complete his final season as Music Director in Rouen, is expected to return to the podium with the Bergen Philharmonic and Deutsche Oper Berlin in the coming months. Based in London, he concluded his message by thanking his family and supporters: “Depression is a bastard. But I’m doing well… and I’ll be able to devote more time to my beautiful children.”
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JUN 23. 2025
André de Ridder named next Music Director of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra
The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra (NZSO) has announced the appointment of André de Ridder as its next Music Director, beginning in 2027.
De Ridder made his debut with the NZSO in 2023, conducting a three-concert festival. He is currently Music Director of Theater and Philharmonisches Orchester Freiburg and will also take up the role of Music Director of English National Opera in the 2027–28 season.
In a statement, de Ridder said he felt “energised” from his first rehearsal with the orchestra in August 2023, highlighting “the shared joy of music making” and the welcome he received from audiences in New Zealand. He expressed interest in contributing to the country’s musical and cultural life and in developing future programmes with the NZSO.
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JUNE 23, 2025
Iván López Reynoso appointed Principal Conductor of The Atlanta Opera
Iván López Reynoso has been named the next Principal Conductor of The Atlanta Opera, beginning with the 2025–26 season. His initial term will run through 2028.
The appointment follows López Reynoso’s debut with the company in March 2024, conducting Verdi’s Macbeth. His work with the ensemble was well received by both the company and audiences.
Born in Guanajuato in 1990, López Reynoso has developed a growing international profile, with recent engagements in the United States and Europe. In Atlanta, he succeeds Arthur Fagen, who served as the company’s music director for two decades.
In a statement, López Reynoso expressed his enthusiasm for joining the company’s artistic team and emphasized the strong connection he felt during rehearsals and performances earlier this year. His first production as Principal Conductor will be Puccini’s Turandot in the 2025–26 season.
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JUNE 22, 2025
Geon Kim wins 2024 Belvedere Singing Competition
The 43rd International Hans Gabor Belvedere Singing Competition has concluded in Bern, Switzerland, with South Korean baritone Geon Kim taking first prize. Second and third places went to Russian singers Valentina Pravdina (soprano) and Valeriia Gorbunova (mezzo-soprano), respectively.
Established in 1982 and named after the Austrian opera impresario Hans Gabor, the Belvedere Competition is considered one of the most prestigious international contests for young opera singers. Known as a springboard for emerging talent, it offers participants not only prize money but also exposure to casting directors, agents, and representatives from major opera houses around the world.
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JUNE 21, 2025
Yun Zeng confirmed as principal horn of the Berliner Philharmoniker
Yun Zeng has officially been appointed solo horn of the Berliner Philharmoniker, having successfully completed his probationary period.
Born in Sichuan, China, Zeng comes from a family with a strong horn-playing tradition. He began his studies in 2011 at the Beijing Conservatory with Quan Wen and continued at the Haute École de Musique de Genève under Bruno Schneider. He has received international recognition, including first prize at the 2019 Tchaikovsky Competition and second prize at the 70th ARD International Music Competition in 2021.
Before joining the Berliner Philharmoniker in September 2024, Zeng held the position of principal horn with the Staatskapelle Berlin from 2022 to 2024.
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JUNE 15, 2025
Miguel Sepúlveda and Luis Castillo-Briceño win Grand Prix at Rotterdam conducting competition
The International Conducting Competition Rotterdam (ICCR) has announced the winners of its 2025 edition, with the Grand Prix for Best Allrounder awarded jointly to Miguel Sepúlveda and Luis Castillo-Briceño.
Sepúlveda, who also received the Codarts Award, stood out in the Opera and Contemporary Music categories. Castillo-Briceño, meanwhile, claimed top honors in Classical Music, Great Symphonic Works, and the Proms Open Air Concert.
The Audience Award went to Rodrigo Sámano Albarrán.
Held at De Doelen concert hall in close collaboration with the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, the competition featured six finalists in its concluding round. ICCR is produced by the same team behind the International Franz Liszt Piano Competition in Utrecht and is directed by Rob Hilberink.
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