Jakub Hrůša to lead Czech Philharmonic from 2028

Jakub Hrůša will become the new Chief Conductor and Music Director of the Czech Philharmonic in autumn 2028, the orchestra’s General Director, David Mareček., announced on Monday.

Hrůša, 43, will succeed Semyon Bychkov, who announced last year he would step down after completing his tenth season. Hrůša's initial contract is for five years, but both sides say they hope to continue the collaboration beyond that.

Hrůša has been Principal Guest Conductor of the Czech Philharmonic since 2018 and currently serves as Chief Conductor of the Bamberg Symphony, a role he will keep until 2029. This September, he also takes on the post of Music Director at London’s Royal Opera House in Covent Garden.

Hrůša has held top positions with leading orchestras in Rome, London, and Tokyo. He was named Conductor of the Year by Opus Klassik in 2023 and won two Gramophone Awards in 2024. He is widely recognized with prestigious honors in Germany, the UK, and the Czech Republic.