Ukrainian Conductor Andriy Yurkevych Named Music Director at the Prague State Opera

Yurkevych will begin immediately, with his first performances in the role to take place in early September

A the Prague State Opera, Ukrainian conductor Andriy Yurkevych will replace outgoing German conductor Karl-Heinz Steffens as its new Music Director. 

Yurkevych's first performances in the role will open on September 3 with Verdi's La Traviata opening and Puccini's Tosca beginning on September 4.

Born in Zboriv, Ukraine, Yurkevych studied orchestral conducting with Yuriy Lutsiv at the Lyssenko Musical Academy of Lviv. He began his career in Lviv with a position at the National Opera Krushelnytska, where he stayed until 2002.

Since that time, he has appeared in many of Europe and North America's most prestigious opera houses, including at the Vienna State Opera, Berlin State Opera, Théâtre Royal de la Monnaie in Bruxelles, Teatro Real de Madrid, San Francisco Opera, and the opera theaters of Stuttgart, Düsseldorf, Dresden, and Cologne.

"I allow myself to share the news that starting today I have the happiness and great responsibility to officially assume the post of Chief Conductor at the National Opera in Prague," wrote Yurkevych on social media. 

"Every day of my work will be dedicated to my native country, which is now on fire, every hour spent in this glorious theater will be an expression of gratitude to the brotherly Czech people! Glory to Ukraine!"