LA Opera appoints up-and-coming conductor Domingo Hindoyan as its new music director.
Domingo Hindoyan Takes the Helm at L.A. Opera
When Domingo Hindoyan, a Venezuelan conductor, made his debut with L.A. Opera last year with "Romeo and Juliet," critic Mark Swed declared it a "coup." fast forward to today, and Hindoyan has been named the company's new Richard Seaver Music Director, stepping in for the outgoing Maestro James Conlon in 2026.
L.A. Opera President and CEO Christopher Koelsch was impressed with Hindoyan after seeing him conduct at the Berlin State Opera in 2016. He praised Hindoyan's fluid technique, the clarity of his musical ideas, and his collaborative spirit, calling him a favorite among singers who appreciate the space he creates for expressive freedom. Koelsch also highlighted Hindoyan's deep rapport with musicians and audiences alike.
Hindoyan began his career as a violinist in Caracas, Venezuela, at the age of five, studying at the Simón Bolívar Conservatory, which was part of Venezuela’s renowned El Sistema music education program. He went on to study at several prestigious music schools and moved to Switzerland in 2000 for advanced studies.
Currently, Hindoyan serves as the Chief Conductor of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, a position he has held since 2021. He is also the Principal Guest Conductor for the Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra. His upcoming contract with L.A. Opera will start in July 2026 and continue through the 2031 season, running concurrently with his role in Liverpool.
Hindoyan marriage is to soprano Sonya Yoncheva, who's currently performing at the Metropolitan Opera in Tchaikovsky's "The Queen of Spades." They have two children and live in Switzerland.
In addition to his work with orchestras, Hindoyan has conducted numerous opera productions across renowned opera houses such as the Metropolitan Opera, Vienna State Opera, Paris Opera, Berlin State Opera, and more. He received formal training at some of the world's most prestigious music institutions, including a stint studying under Maestro Laurent Gay.
Hindoyan aims to foster innovation in opera through new works and contemporary commissions, with a focus on balancing classical and modern repertoire. Conlon, who will step down and take on the newly created role of conductor laureate, expressed his happiness at passing the baton to a fellow opera enthusiast.
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Fun Fact: Before becoming a conductor, Hindoyan started his musical journey as a violinist. He was part of El Sistema alongside future stars like Gustavo Dudamel, Diego Matheuz, and Dietrich Paredes.
- Hindoyan, a former violinist from El Sistema like Gustavo Dudamel, will bring his unique blend of classical and contemporary music to the L.A. Opera as its new Richard Seaver Music Director.
- As Hindoyan steps into the role previously held by Maestro James Conlon in 2026, he will continue to make the L.A. Opera a hub for innovation in opera, drawing from his experiences in renowned opera houses across California, Europe, and beyond.
- Designed by his collaborative spirit and deep rapport with musicians and audiences, Hindoyan's tenure with L.A. Opera will undoubtedly contribute to the vibrant entertainment scene that California is known for.
