Deutsche Oper Berlin to Be Led by Three Conductors from 2026

The Deutsche Oper Berlin has announced it will operate without a General Music Director once Sir Donald Runnicles steps down in the summer of 2026.

Instead, incoming artistic director Aviel Cahn has unveiled a new team-based leadership model, describing it as a move toward “stylistic diversity” and “a creative new beginning.”

Under the plan, Milan-born Michele Spotti (b. 1993) and French conductor Maxime Pascal (b. 1985) will serve as Principal Guest Conductors, each taking responsibility for at least two productions and one symphonic concert per season. Swiss conductor Titus Engel (b. 1975) will join as Conductor in Residence, leading one opera premiere and one symphonic concert annually, while also spearheading experimental projects and collaborations.

Cahn said he was pleased to have secured two in-demand conductors with sharply contrasting profiles: “Pascal is a developer of projects deeply rooted in the 20th century, while Spotti represents the younger generation of the Italian Romantic tradition.” He highlighted his longstanding collaboration with Engel, adding: “In the German-speaking opera world, there are few conductors as open and as innovative as he is.”

Over the past two years, Cahn and the orchestra have discussed at length the search for Runnicles’ successor. “Both sides wanted to allow themselves more time, and to gain further experience with these artistic personalities,” Cahn explained. For the first two to three seasons, the house expects the team arrangement to encourage a range of creative exchanges while leaving room for other conductors to appear.

An opera house spokesperson confirmed that a decision will be made in three years’ time on whether to continue with the collective model or return to appointing a single music director.

Sir Donald Runnicles, who has led the Deutsche Oper Berlin since 2009, will take up the position of Chief Conductor of the Dresden Philharmonic in the 2025/26 season. His contract with the Berlin company will end earlier than originally planned, concluding with the 2026 season.