NEW YORK (AP) - Domingo Hindoyan has been appointed as the new music director of the Los Angeles Opera (LA Opera), succeeding James Conlon, who is set to retire after the 2025-26 season. Hindoyan’s five-year contract will begin on July 1, 2026. The announcement came on a Friday evening and highlighted the 45-year-old Venezuelan-Armenian conductor, who is also the husband of renowned soprano Sonya Yoncheva.
Conlon has held the position of music director since the 2006-07 season, announcing his retirement plans in March 2024. Hindoyan expressed excitement about the possibilities that lie ahead for LA Opera, stating, "LA is a city that is known by innovation, taking risks in productions and musically." He emphasized the importance of incorporating new pieces, commissions, and modern performances while maintaining a balance with classical works.
As music director, Hindoyan is scheduled to conduct two productions in the 2026-27 season and three productions in each of the subsequent four seasons. LA Opera President Christopher Koelsch expressed hopes that Hindoyan would collaborate with Yoncheva, who has yet to perform a staged production at the LA Opera. This new role comes at a time when the LA Opera, like many performing arts organizations, has been navigating financial challenges attributed to increased costs following the pandemic.
Hindoyan acknowledged the importance of connecting with the community and fostering relationships with donors as part of his role as music director. "Part of my job as a music director and the job of any musician is to really take care of the art form as much as we can," he remarked, outlining a comprehensive approach to his new position. He was born in Caracas, Venezuela, and has a strong background in music education, being a product of El Sistema, which has also shaped the careers of notable conductors such as Gustavo Dudamel and Rafael Payare.
His previous experience includes serving as an assistant to the esteemed conductor Daniel Barenboim at the Staatsoper unter den Linden in Berlin. Koelsch praised Hindoyan’s work ethic and artistry, noting, "Given Barenboim’s extremely exacting standards, I was impressed that he had that job and held onto that job." He also highlighted Hindoyan’s ability as a conductor, mentioning a performance of 'Tosca' that showcased his elegant baton technique and clarity.
Since the 2021-22 season, Hindoyan has been the chief conductor of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. His first performance with the LA Opera took place in November 2022 when he conducted Gounod's 'Roméo et Juliette.' Koelsch remarked on Hindoyan's natural warmth and charisma, describing him as someone who consistently brings out the best in performers. The LA Opera's production of 'Roméo' served as a test run, demonstrating Hindoyan's effective orchestration within the organization and with the audience.
