Israeli-American conductor Yoel Gamzou will become the new music director of the Polish National Opera, Teatr Wielki, in Warsaw. The 38-year-old will take up the post starting with the 2026/27 season, director Boris Kudlicka announced in Warsaw on Monday.

Boris Kudli?ka and Yoel Gamzou

"This is probably one of the most important decisions we will make," said Kudlička. "It is crucial to have an inspiring and dynamic person at his side who is willing to find unconventional solutions together with the orchestra." The new music director will have a broader scope of responsibilities and greater influence on the overall artistic direction of the institution.

Gamzou, who served as General Music Director at Theater Bremen from 2017 to 2022, made his debut at the Teatr Wielki in January 2026. As Warsaw's Music Director, he succeeds Patrick Fournillier, who has led the orchestra since 2020. Gamzou's contract runs for four years.

Upon his appointment, the conductor expressed his admiration for Warsaw as a dynamically developing city with a rich history and an openness to the future. He stated that in his work in other European capitals, he had never seen so many full seats or so many young people in the audience as in Warsaw. "Ultimately, the reason I came here was the concert we gave together and the wonderful relationship I have with this orchestra."

© MH - All rights reserved.