Philippe Jordan appointed as Musical Director of the Vienna State Opera from 2020

Philippe Jordan, born in Zurich in 1974, is the musical director of the Paris Opera and the chief conductor of the Vienna Symphony. He began his career at the age of 20 as Kapellmeister at the Stadttheater Ulm. In 1998, he became Daniel Barenboim's assistant and Kapellmeister at the Berlin State Opera, and from 2001 to 2004 he was the chief conductor of Oper Graz. From 2006 to 2010, Philippe Jordan returned to the Berlin State Opera as its principal guest conductor. In 2009, he took on the post of Musical Director at the Paris Opera and, in 2014, the position of chief conductor at the Vienna Symphony. 

In addition to his executive positions, Philippe Jordan has made guest appearances at all the major opera houses and festivals in the world: the Metropolitan Opera in New York, the Royal Opera House in London, Teatro alla Scala in Milan, the Bavarian State Opera in Munich, Zurich Opera House, the Festspielhaus Baden-Baden, the Bayreuth Festival, the Salzburg Festival, the Festival of Aix-en-Provence, Glyndebourne Festival and many more.

He has worked as a concert conductor with the Vienna Philharmonic, the Berlin Philharmonic, the Staatskapelle Berlin, the Orchestre philharmonique de Radio France, the Philharmonia Orchestra in London, the Orchestra dell’Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia, the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, the Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich, the Chamber Orchestra of Europe, the Mahler Chamber Orchestra, the Gustav Mahler Jugendorchester, the Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra and the Mozarteumorchester Salzburg, among others. In North America, he has conducted the symphony orchestras of Chicago, Cleveland, Philadelphia, New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Washington, among others.

Bogdan Roščić on the appointment of Philippe Jordan
“I’m delighted that Philippe Jordan has decided to join me in shaping the Vienna State Opera's future. The highest musical quality is expected from the State Opera as perhaps from no other house. The complete commitment of a musical director is important for securing this quality in the everyday reality of a major repertoire theatre. Philippe Jordan is one of few top conductors today who have focused their attention on opera from the beginning of their artistic career and have deliberately taken the classic route of the Kapellmeister. This makes him part of a tradition embodied by the most significant musicians who have shaped this opera house in the past. The knowledge and experience this background gives him will be of great value to the State Opera.

Additionally, he is a conductor for whom dedication to the theatrical experience in opera is of equal importance to the music. Philippe Jordan’s interest in and passion for the stage will be an essential foundation for achieving the unity of music and theatre that every great opera house must strive for.

His connection to Austria and Vienna has grown over many years, beginning with his very early performances at the Vienna State Opera, to his position as principal conductor of Oper Graz and now as the highly acclaimed chief conductor of the Vienna Symphony. He has worked at the festivals in Salzburg and Bregenz, and he therefore has a natural relationship with the audience, a strong awareness of the tradition and a very close connection to the unique sound of the State Opera's orchestra.

The impressive development of the Paris Opera in recent years shows what Jordan is capable of as a conductor. But what’s just as important to me is his willingness to be my partner in developing all musical aspects of the Vienna State Opera." 

Philippe Jordan on his appointment as music director
“For every musician dedicated to the theatre, the Vienna State Opera with its incomparable tradition and above all its unique orchestra is one of the most exciting tasks and challenges that the opera world can offer. After many  intensive discussions, it was the ambitious program and personality of Bogdan Roščić that ultimately made me focus on the tremendous opportunity and accept the post with the greatest pleasure. I won’t wait until the 2020/21 season to make this job the focus of my work. From today and in close cooperation with the director designate I will work towards preparing the future of the theatre.

Our main concern must quite simply be the highest possible quality in order to do justice to the standards of this unique house. I see my role not only in rehearsals and performances but also in my everyday work in all areas of the musical department. Furthermore, I will make every effort to encourage the very best of my colleagues to work with us at the Vienna State Opera. It goes without saying that the world’s best singers should perform in Vienna not only regularly, but as a top priority. Forming and maintaining the theatre's vocal ensemble is of equal importance."