The Czech conductor will succeed Semyon Bychkov as Chief Conductor and Music Director
The Czech Philharmonic has announced the appointment of Jakub Hrůša as its next Chief Conductor and Music Director, starting with the 2028–29 season. His initial contract will last five years, with both Hrůša and the orchestra expressing a desire for a long-term collaboration.
Hrůša will take over from Semyon Bychkov, who will conclude his tenure in 2028 after ten seasons at the helm. The new chapter will also be supported by a philanthropic gift from Renáta Kellnerová, enabling Hrůša to implement his artistic vision more fully.
“The Czech Philharmonic is one of the world’s foremost orchestras today. It combines a unique tradition with extraordinary potential for artistic growth,” Hrůša said. “I am overjoyed and deeply honoured that the Czech Philharmonic has chosen to align its path with mine from 2028.”
Hrůša currently serves as Chief Conductor of the Bamberg Symphony, a position he will continue to hold until 2029. In September 2025, he will also begin his new role as Music Director of the Royal Opera House at Covent Garden. His past roles include Principal Guest Conductor of the Orchestra dell’Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia in Rome, the Philharmonia Orchestra in London, and the Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra.
Celebrated for his interpretations of both international and Czech repertoire, Hrůša was named Opus Klassik’s Conductor of the Year in 2023 and received two Gramophone Awards in 2024. He is a frequent guest with major orchestras across Europe and the United States, including the Berlin Philharmonic, Vienna Philharmonic, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic.
“With Jakub Hrůša, the Czech Philharmonic gains a world-class Chief Conductor whose artistic achievements continue to grow,” said David Mareček, CEO of the Czech Philharmonic. “This new relationship is a natural continuation of an already long and successful partnership.”
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