Music Director Extends Contract with LA Opera

James Conlon has extended his contract through the 2024/25 season, while Lina González-Granados has been appointed Resident Conductor

James Conlon became Music Director of the Los Angeles Opera in 2006 and has conducted more than 400 performances with the company. He has conducted landmark productions including the 2010 Ring cycle, the 2013 Britten centenary festival, the 2015 "Figaro Trilogy," and the multi-year "Recovered Voices" project devoted to presenting the works of composers suppressed by the Nazis.

"I am extremely happy to continue my collaboration with all of the forces of LA Opera," said James Conlon. "I am grateful for my close working relationship with the LA Opera Orchestra and Chorus, the music staff and stage team, Christopher Koelsch, the entire administration and the board of directors. Their support, and that of our public, gives me great hope for our continued mission of keeping opera thriving in today's world."

It was announced that Columbian American conductor Lina González-Granados will become Resident Conductor. She will succeed Grant Gershon, who has served in the role since 2012. The position also lasts through the 2024/25 season, and will have her conducting one mainstage production annually, as well as additional performances on the company’s Off Grand, On Now, and Connects stages.

"It is my honor and pleasure to join the team at LA Opera," said Lina González-Granados. "I feel so fortunate to become part of an organization with an incredible institutional legacy for artistic quality and community engagement, and to belong to a city that welcomes such an esteemed roster of conductors.

"I am especially thrilled to collaborate with James and the extraordinary musicians of the LA Opera Orchestra. I am so looking forward to bringing opera to the greater Los Angeles community, as well as helping to build the next generation of incredible, talented young opera singers," she concluded.

On González-Granados's appointment, Conlon noted that "amongst the many talented young conductors in today's world, she stood out as particularly well suited, not just for LA Opera, but for our city and region. I look forward to our mutual collaboration with great anticipation."