How Covent Garden checked in a new music director

After months of speculation and repeated delays, the Royal Opera House today named Jakub Hrusa as its next music director. He will succeed Antonio Pappano in 2025.

Hrusa, 41, conducted Glyndebourne on Tour from 2010 to 2015. The following year he became music director at Bamberg in Bavaria; he is contracted there until 2026. Recently, Hrusa also succeeded Pappano at the Santa Cecilia Orchestra in Rome, and he cherishes the position as principal guest conductor of his national orchestra, the Czech Philharmonic.

A protege of Jiri Belohlavek, Hrusa has long been regarded as a quietly effective performer of major operas, a collegial presence rather than a commanding leader. This approach may suit Covent Garden better than its iniital shortlist, which consisted of two youngish Italians of high voltage.

We are also hearing that the musicians are overwhelmingly in favour of his appointment, which was not the case with the two Italians.