The Philharmonie de Paris has announced the appointment of Roberto González-Monjas as the first Principal Guest Conductor of the Orchestre de Paris. His four-year term will begin with the 2027/28 season.
The creation of the new position comes as the orchestra prepares for the arrival of Esa-Pekka Salonen as Principal Conductor in 2027, following the conclusion of Klaus Mäkelä’s tenure.
According to the announcement, González-Monjas will conduct at least three subscription programmes each season at the Philharmonie de Paris, in addition to international touring and special artistic projects. His first concerts in the role are already scheduled for 12 and 13 May 2027, when he returns to lead the orchestra in a programme featuring violinist Clara-Jumi Kang, Korngold’s Violin Concerto, and Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Symphony No. 3. The performances will also launch a multi-season Rachmaninoff cycle under his direction.
González-Monjas first conducted the Orchestre de Paris in May 2025, in concerts featuring violinist Lisa Batiashvili.
Currently 38, the Spanish conductor and violinist holds several major positions across Europe and Latin America. He serves as Chief Conductor of the Mozarteumorchester Salzburg, Music Director of the Orquesta Sinfónica de Galicia, and Artistic Director of Iberacademy. He is also Chief Conductor of the Musikkollegium Winterthur, a position he is scheduled to leave in June 2027.
In a statement, González-Monjas described his debut with the orchestra as “among the most magical and electrifying experiences” of his career, adding that it was “a tremendous honour” to become the ensemble’s first Principal Guest Conductor.
Olivier Mantei, CEO of the Cité de la musique – Philharmonie de Paris, said the conductor’s artistic and human qualities would help build “a lasting musical and personal relationship with the Orchestra,” adding that the appointment aligns with the simultaneous arrival of Salonen as Principal Conductor.
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