Vladimir Jurowski has extended his tenure as General Music Director of the Bavarian State Opera until the end of the 2028–29 season, following an announcement by Minister of Culture Markus Blume in Munich earlier this month. Jurowski who began his tenure in 2021, has led the Bavarian State Orchestra in major new productions including War and Peace, Die Fledermaus, Hamlet and Das Rheingold. He will complete the new Munich Ring cycle in 2027, in collaboration with director Tobias Kratzer. Recognised as one of today’s most sought-after conductors, Jurowski also serves as Chief Conductor and Artistic Director of the Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin, Principal Artist of the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment and is Conductor Emeritus of the London Philharmonic Orchestra.
Grammy-nominated composer and performer Nathalie Joachim has been named Composer-in-Residence at Opera Philadelphia for the 2025–26 season. A Philadelphia resident, she will curate two programmes during her tenure: one devoted to her own music and another highlighting the artists and influences that shape her work. She is also one of ten composers contributing to the world premiere of Complications in Sue at the Academy of Music in February 2026.
Portland Opera has appointed Damien Geter as Music Director, following nearly four years in the role on an interim basis. A celebrated composer, conductor and singer, Geter brings a multifaceted vision to the company, blending operatic tradition with innovation, equity and inclusivity. Since joining Portland Opera, Geter has been central to its artistic life, conducting the sold-out 2025 production of The Shining, advising on programming and mentoring emerging artists. His compositions include the acclaimed Loving v. Virginia, based on the true story of Mildred and Richard Loving. The opera, which recounts the landmark 1967 US Supreme Court decision that struck down laws prohibiting interracial marriage, premiered earlier this year. He is also developing a new composition Delta King’s Blues, inspired by blues legend Robert Johnson.
Cecilia Bartoli will continue as Artistic Director of the Salzburg Whitsun Festival until 2031, following a contract extension signed with the festival’s Directorate. Bartoli, who has led the festival since 2012, has overseen nearly 15 opera productions and over 60 concerts, operas in concert, ballet performances, exhibitions and readings. Celebrated for her imaginative programming and passion for pushing artistic boundaries, she describes the festival as a “family” of artists and staff united by creativity, humour and dedication.
