Czech Philharmonic Announces New Chief Conductor

At a press conference held today, representatives of the Czech Philharmonic announced that Czech conductor Jakub Hrůša will succeed Semyon Bychkov as Chief Conductor of the orchestra starting in the autumn of 2028.

Hrůša has collaborated with the Czech Philharmonic for two decades. Early in his career, he served as assistant conductor to the orchestra’s former chief conductors Vladimir Ashkenazy and Zdeněk Mácal. From 2015 to 2018, he held the post of Principal Guest Conductor, and in 2018, he was appointed Chief Guest Conductor.

As Chief Conductor, Hrůša will regularly lead the orchestra on international tours, perform in Prague’s Rudolfinum, and record concerts for CD and television broadcast.

Hrůša currently serves as Chief Conductor of the Bamberg Symphony and Principal Guest Conductor of the Orchestra of the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia in Rome. Beginning in September 2025, he will also become Music Director of the Royal Opera House.

A native of Brno, Hrůša studied conducting at the Prague Academy of Performing Arts under Jiří Bělohlávek, who served as Chief Conductor of the Czech Philharmonic from 2012 to 2017. Hrůša succeeded Bělohlávek as Chief Conductor of the Prague Philharmonia from 2008 to 2015 and served as Music Director of Glyndebourne on Tour from 2010 to 2012.

He collaborates regularly with many of the world’s leading orchestras and opera houses and has participated in numerous award-winning recordings. His work has been recognized with accolades such as the Opus Klassik Award, Gramophone and BBC Music Magazine Awards, as well as a Grammy nomination.