Overview
- Officials presented Petr Popelka as the new Generalmusikdirektor on Wednesday, June 10, and he will formally succeed Vladimir Jurowski in the 2029/2030 season.
- Popelka, 40, rose from deputy principal double bass at the Sächsische Staatskapelle Dresden to a conducting career that includes leadership of the Norwegian Radio Orchestra and the Wiener Symphoniker.
- He will give up his post as chief conductor of the Vienna Symphony when he moves to Munich but plans to return to Vienna regularly as a guest conductor.
- Intendant Serge Dorny and Kunstminister Markus Blume praised Popelka’s musical substance and human qualities, citing his 2025 Bayerische Staatsoper debut in Janáček’s Káťa Kabanová and quick chemistry with the Staatsorchester as decisive factors.
- Commentators say the appointment is a bold renewal that brings collaborative energy but carries risk because Popelka has not previously held a chief position at a music-theatre house; Jurowski will remain in Munich through the 2028/29 season, leaving time to manage the handover.