Los Angeles Opera Appoints New Music Director

The Venezuelan-Armenian conductor Domingo Hindoyan will assume the role in 2026

Domingo Hindoyan will be joining the LA Opera as its new music director from July 1, 2026, for an initial five-year term through the 2030/31 season. His new role will run concurrently with his position as chief conductor of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, which he has held since 2021. 

He will succeed James Conlon, who recently announced he is stepping down from the role at the end of the 2025/26 season after 20 years. He will remain at LA Opera as its inaugural conductor laureate.

Hindoyan, who made his LA Opera debut in 2024, will be working closely alongside Conlon during the transition period. Among his previous roles include being principal guest conductor of the Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra. 

Having led the BBC Symphony, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Philharmonia Orchestra, Boston Symphony, Cleveland Orchestra, Minnesota Orchestra, San Diego Symphony, Detroit Symphony, and the LA Philharmonic, Hindoyan has also conducted the Metropolitan Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Berlin State Opera, Vienna State Opera, Paris Opera, Royal Swedish Opera, Dresden Semperoper, Teatro Real, and Gran Teatre del Liceu. 

With the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, he has released six albums. His most recent album, Tchaikovsky: Souvenir de Florence & Symphony No. 6 "Pathetique," was released in April 2025.

Hindoyan will become the third music director in LA Opera’s history. His predecessors also include Kent Nagano, who served the role from 2003 to 2006, after joining the company as principal conductor in 2001.

“I first encountered Domingo Hindoyan at the Berlin State Opera in 2016 and was immediately struck by the fluidity of his technique and the clarity and command of his musical ideas," said LA Opera President and CEO Christopher Koelsch. “I am excited by the possibilities for our collaboration in the years ahead, and I know Domingo will build upon the extraordinary foundation James Conlon has laid over the past two decades, enriching the musical life of Los Angeles in bold and inspiring ways.”

“I am extremely happy and enthusiastic that Domingo Hindoyan has been named as the next Music Director of LA Opera,” Conlon added. “After devoting 20 years to this wonderful company — helping to solidify its place in the cultural life of Los Angeles and on the international operatic stage — I am especially pleased to pass the reins to someone I know shares my passion for opera, and who sees it as the vital, relevant, spiritual force it has always been.”

“I am deeply honored to join LA Opera as its next Music Director,” said Hindoyan. “From the first rehearsal, I felt a strong connection to the extraordinary musicians, staff and spirit of this company. It is a privilege to follow Maestro James Conlon, whose legacy has shaped LA Opera into what it is today ... This is the beginning of a new chapter for LA Opera and myself, and I take on this role with great enthusiasm and responsibility. Together with the company’s talented artists, team, and leadership, I look forward to shaping future seasons, developing new productions, working with local artists, inviting the world’s leading creative voices and deepening our connection with audiences across the city and beyond.”