Czech Philharmonic Appoints Jakub Hrůša as Chief Conductor and Music Director

Hrůša's initial term will be five years from September 2028, though the orchestra notes that a longer-term relationship is expected

The Czech Philharmonic has recently announced that the Czech conductor Jakub Hrůša will serve as its next Chief Conductor. He will step into the role at the opening of the 2028/29 season, for an initial term of five years, though the orchestra has noted that both parties expect this to be a long-term relationship.

Hrůša succeeds Semyon Bychkov, who has stepped down after ten seasons with the orchestra. His post will be funded by a generous gift from philanthropist Renáta Kellnerová.

A long-time collaborator of the Czech Philharmonic, Hrůša made his debut with the group in December 2004. Since then, he has conducted the orchestra more than 90 times in Prague (including at the gala opening of the 2017/2018 season) and in over 30 performances internationally. These appearances have included major tours, such as a 2012 tour of Australia, a 2020 tour of Germany, and most recently, a 2024 tour of summer festivals including concerts in Hamburg, at the Lucerne Festival, and in London at the BBC Proms.

Hrůša is presently Chief Conductor of the Bamberg Symphony, with his current contract running until 2029. He is fast establishing a reputation as one of Europe's top conductors: from September 2025 he will be Music Director of The Royal Opera House Covent Garden, and he has previously served as 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.

He has received several honors for his work, including being named as Opus Klassik’s Conductor of the Year in 2023 and receiving two distinctions at the Gramophone Awards in 2024.

"The Czech Philharmonic is one of the world’s foremost orchestras today," Hrůša said. "It combines a unique tradition with extraordinary potential for artistic growth. Our country’s leading orchestra not only sets the tone of musical life in the Czech Republic in a special way, but also performs with breathtaking success on the world’s most prestigious stages. I am overjoyed and deeply honored that the Czech Philharmonic has chosen to align its path with mine from 2028."

"Becoming Chief Conductor and Music Director of the Czech Philharmonic has been one of my greatest professional dreams, and I couldn’t be more delighted that this dream will now come true," he added. "I believe it has happened thanks to the rare and profound artistic and personal understanding with the orchestra’s musicians and management, and my heartfelt connection with the cherished Czech Philharmonic audience. This mutual understanding is deeply moving to me."