The Venezuelan musician Gustavo Dudamel surprisingly announced his resignation as music director from the Paris Opéra, two seasons after signing a six-year contract ending in the 2026-27 season
The 42-year-old Venezuelan conductor, who lives in Madrid, was hired in February by the New York Philharmonic as music director beginning with the 2026-27 season. Since 2009, he has served as music director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, a position that will end after 17 seasons when Dudamel begins his tenure in New York. This Thursday, May 25, he announced his resignation.
“It is with a heavy heart, and after long reflection, that I announce my resignation as music director of the Paris Opera to being able to spend more time with my family”Dudamel said in a statement on Thursday.
what will be of the future
His early departure from Paris at the end of the current season in August could free up the director for further engagements in New Yorkwhere Jaap van Zweden is stepping down after the 2023-24 season, his sixth as music director.
“I have no other plans but to be with my loved onesto whom I am deeply grateful for helping me stay strong in my determination to grow and continue to face challenges, both personal and artistic, every day,” said Gustavo Dudamel.
Dudamel conducted the New York Philharmonic last weekend, for the first time since his appointment was announced, in three performances of Mahler’s Ninth Symphony. He’s not scheduled with the orchestra next season. He and Philharmonic CEO Deborah Borda attended extensive planning meetings last week.
“Over the past two years you have considered your life very carefully. Like so many people during the pandemic, he took the time, we all take the time, to evaluate our lives, our goals, our future, striking the right balance,” Borda said in a telephone interview. “This is a vital move on the chessboard of your life as you contemplate your future.”
His work in Paris
Dudamel made his Paris Opera debut in December 2017 in Claus Guth’s staging La Boheme of Puccini who moved to a spaceship. His appointment to the Paris Opera was announced in April 2021 to start on 1 August.
He directed new productions of Turandot by Puccini and The Marriage of Figaro by Mozart in its first season. This season presented a revival of Tristan and Isolt by Wagner and the debut in the company of Nixon in China by John Adams.
The 2023-24 season, announced in March, sees Dudamel lead a new production of lohengrin Wagner from 23 September and the exterminating angel by Thomas Ades from 9 February.
But the status of his commitments with the club for next season is unclear.
Alexander Neef had hired Dudamel after he was appointed director general of the Paris Opera in July 2019 to succeed Stéphane Lissner in the 2021-22 season. Neef praised Dudamel’s “passion and immense talent”.
“Was able to form a special relationship with orchestra musicians, choir artists, singers and artistic groupsa relationship marked by mutual respect and a desire to create the most beautiful performances together,” Neef said in a statement.
“Gustavo Dudamel is an immense musician. I express my deep gratitude to him for the work done while guiding him and I fully respect his decision,” he concluded.
Dudamel’s short tenure is unusual in the world of opera, where scheduling is often done five years in advance. His predecessors as music directors of Paris were Philippe Jordan (2009-21) and James Conlon (1994-2004).
Source: Clarin
