Frankfurt appoints 28 year-old general music director

In a major podium shock, Frankfurt Opera has named Thomas Guggeis, 28, to succeed Sebastian Weigle as General Music Director in 2023.

Bavarian born, Guggeis has been assistant to Daniel Barenboim in Berlin and Kapellmeister at the Stuttgart Staatsoper, returning to Unter den Linden last year with the honorary title of Staatskapellmeister.

Frankfurt intendant Bernd Loebe said: ‘I have been following Thomas Guggeis’ career closely since he jumped in to take over from Christoph von Dohnányi in 2018 for Salome in Berlin. It is an understatement to speak of his as a unique talent. Despite his young age Thomas Guggeis is not just a talent anymore, he is extraordinarily advanced in everything expected of a conductor in such an important position. He has a musical idea for every work, which he can implement technically and effortlessly, bringing it to life with emotion and empathy for orchestra and soloists alike. During the many conversations we have had I soon realised: we think in a similar way, question many things and ourselves, take every detail seriously and love music. I feel confident that this ‚fresh wind‘ will inspire me and everybody in company. So Sebastian Weigle’s handing over is happening in a very harmonious way.’