Every great opera begins with a dramatic entrance, and for LA Opera, that moment has arrived. Acclaimed conductor Domingo Hindoyan has officially stepped onto the podium as the company’s new Richard Seaver Music Director, ushering in a fresh chapter for one of Los Angeles’ leading cultural institutions. His appointment signals both continuity and change, honoring the company’s legacy while pointing toward an ambitious future.
Beginning July 1, Hindoyan succeeds longtime Music Director James Conlon, whose two-decade tenure helped elevate LA Opera to international prominence. Conlon’s leadership shaped the company’s artistic identity, and his transition to Conductor Laureate ensures his continued presence. Hindoyan now takes the baton with a blend of global experience, youthful energy, and a commitment to expanding opera’s reach in a diverse city.
Los Angeles audiences are not entirely new to Hindoyan’s work. He made his LA Opera debut in 2024 conducting Charles Gounod’s Roméo et Juliette, earning strong praise from critics, including the Los Angeles Times, which described him as “a rising star.” That same year, he also debuted with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, leading a program that showcased both classical staples and contemporary voices. These appearances offered a glimpse of his musical range and his ability to connect with audiences.
Now, Hindoyan is no longer a guest conductor passing through. He is establishing roots in Los Angeles and embracing the city as his artistic home. To mark his arrival, he recently joined LA Opera President and CEO Christopher Koelsch on the company’s Behind the Curtain podcast. In the conversation, he shared insights into his musical journey, his influences, and his vision for the company’s future, offering listeners a more personal introduction to the man behind the baton.
Hindoyan’s story begins far from the grand opera houses he now leads. Born in Caracas, Venezuela, he first encountered music through El Sistema, the renowned education program that has nurtured generations of musicians. Starting as a violinist, he developed a deep connection to orchestral music before transitioning to conducting. His early experiences instilled both discipline and a belief in music’s power to transform lives.
His career continued to evolve through formative collaborations. Hindoyan joined Daniel Barenboim’s West-Eastern Divan Orchestra, an ensemble known for its cultural dialogue and artistic excellence. He later studied conducting in Geneva and served as Barenboim’s assistant at the Deutsche Staatsoper Berlin. These experiences provided invaluable mentorship and opened doors to major international stages.
Today, Hindoyan serves as Chief Conductor of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, where he has gained recognition for bold programming and dynamic performances. His résumé includes appearances with leading institutions such as the Metropolitan Opera, Vienna State Opera, Paris Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Teatro Real Madrid, and Gran Teatre del Liceu in Barcelona. Across these engagements, he has built a reputation for precision, emotional depth, and a willingness to explore new repertoire.
Despite his global career, Los Angeles offers something uniquely compelling. The city’s diversity and creative energy align with Hindoyan’s own multicultural background as a Venezuelan-Armenian artist. He has already begun to immerse himself in local culture, signaling a desire to become an integral part of the community rather than a distant figurehead.
Audiences will soon see his artistic vision take shape. Hindoyan opens his first official season this fall with Bizet’s Carmen, one of opera’s most beloved works. The choice reflects both accessibility and intensity, qualities that define his approach to music-making. His interpretation is expected to bring fresh vitality to a familiar masterpiece.
His arrival comes at a pivotal moment for LA Opera as it seeks to broaden its audience and deepen its impact. With Hindoyan at the helm, the company is poised to build on its strong foundation while exploring new artistic directions. His leadership promises to engage longtime opera enthusiasts and invite new audiences into the experience.
As this new era begins, one thing is certain: LA Opera is entering an exciting phase of growth and transformation. For the city of Los Angeles, the next act is already underway—and it is one worth watching closely.
For more information about Domingo Hindoyan, visit laopera.org
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Photo credits: Photo courtesy of Cory Weaver
