This is a new blow for the Paris Opera, which is definitely sailing on sight in these difficult post-Covid years for the cultural sector. After the departure of its dance director Aurélie Dupont a little less than a year ago to “devote herself to personal projects”, the cancellation of a concert tour this winter officially for budgetary reasons…, c It is its musical director Gustavo Dudamel who will leave the Parisian institution for “personal reasons” at the end of the season, while his term of office extended until 2027, announces the Opera in a press release published this Thursday, May 25.
“It is with a heavy heart, and after careful consideration, that I announce my resignation as Music Director of the Paris Opera in order to spend more time with my family. It has been a privilege to share such beautiful moments with the orchestra, the choir artists and the artistic teams of the Paris Opera over the past two seasons”, explains the conductor, who took up his duties as musical director on August 1, 2021.
ARCHIVESGustavo Dudamel, a superstar at the Paris Opera
“We are living in a time which I believe has profoundly and intimately changed our beings and I have gained a greater appreciation for life, and I realize how much art and music enrich my daily life and that of those those around me,” continues the statement from the Venezuelan maestro in a style that is unclear whether it is banal or mysterious.
The classical music superstar has been multiplying projects around the world for a long time now, he had not given up his post as music director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra for his Parisian mandate, which he has held since 2009, and composes with a very busy schedule. He is notably announced to the artistic and musical direction of the New York Philharmonic from 2026, but the rest of his press release casts doubt on his artistic trajectory: “I have no other projects than to be with my relatives. I am deeply grateful to them for their support in my determination to always grow and surpass myself, both in my personal and artistic life, day after day. »
The director of the Opera Alexander Neef loses with this departure one of his most beautiful “catch of war”. “I would like to thank Gustavo Dudamel whose passion and immense talent have brought a lot to the repertoire of our house. He was able to forge a special relationship with the musicians of the Orchestra, the artists of the choirs, the singers and the artistic teams […]. Gustavo Dudamel is an immense musician. I express my deep gratitude to him for the work accomplished during his tenure, and I fully respect his decision”, reacted the German director while announcing an upcoming communication on the shows of the next season which was to be played under the baton of Gustavo Dudamel.
For the Paris Opera, a new period of research is about to begin, with, for the new musical director, giant steps in which to place themselves.