ENO today announces the appointment of André de Ridder as Music Director

André de Ridder is currently the General Music Director of Theater Freiburg in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, where he has conducted such works as Wozzeck, Hansel and Gretel, Don Carlos, The Magic Flute, Jenůfa, Alcina, and the German premiere of Nico Muhly’s Marnie.

His projects and collaborations have taken him to international orchestras such as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra, Orchestre de Paris and Concertgebouworkest, and in recent seasons, he has appeared as a guest conductor at opera houses including Finnish National Opera, Dutch National Opera, Theater Basel, Staatsoper Stuttgart and Oper Köln.

De Ridder has strong links with the UK, and with Manchester in particular where he spent some of his formative years assisting Mark Elder at the Hallé Orchestra. He has performed with Britten Sinfonia, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Philharmonia Orchestra, and BBC Symphony Orchestra. Earlier in his career, he was appointed a Leverhulme Young Conductor in Association at the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (2005 – 2007), where he assisted Marin Alsop and went on to become Principal Conductor of Sinfonia Viva from 2007–2012. He curates and performs Unclassified Live at London’s Southbank Centre, a series of genre-bending performances broadcast on BBC Radio 3, featuring the BBC Concert Orchestra.

Strongly committed to new music, he has previously conducted for ENO the premieres of Gerald Barry’s The Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant in 2005, and Michel van der Aa’s Sunken Garden in 2013. In 2007, he led the world premiere of Damon Albarn’s and Chen Shi-Zheng’s animation opera, Monkey: Journey to the West at the Manchester International Festival, and subsequent performances at the Théâtre du Châtelet, Paris and Royal Opera House, London. He has given premieres of works by composers such as Daníel Bjarnason, Bryce Dessner, Max Richter, Wolfgang Rihm and Kaija Saariaho, as well as collaborating with bands such as Dirty Projectors, The Flaming Lips and Gorillaz.

Speaking of his appointment today, André de Ridder said: ‘It is an honour to have been chosen by English National Opera as their new Music Director. I’ve been privileged to have experienced working with ENO early in my career, which has informed and inspired my own approach to repertoire, new work and always exploring perspectives on bringing great opera to wide audiences. I am immensely excited to join them at this time of change and development, and to have the chance to work again in the Greater Manchester region too.’

Jenny Mollica, Chief Executive of English National Opera, said:

‘We are absolutely thrilled to announce André de Ridder as ENO’s new Music Director. Throughout our rigorous and extensive global search process, we have been deeply inspired by André’s visionary approach, uniquely defined by a compelling blend of innovation and artistry, warmth and generosity.

His commitment and readiness to chart new ground in opera make him the perfect fit for ENO. At a time of significant creative renewal for ENO, we look forward to working with André as we continue to build our next chapter across London and Greater Manchester.’

Annilese Miskimmon, Artistic Director of English National Opera, said:

‘We are delighted that André de Ridder is joining ENO as our Music Director. His international reputation embraces an unsurpassed range of theatrical and musical innovation and an absolute dedication to making opera and classical music for all.

His whole career has been distinctive in its collaborative, generous creativity, and his passion for both classical repertoire and contemporary work makes him the perfect Music Director for ENO’s current and future ambition and vision.’

Louise Jeffreys, Interim Chair of the Board of English National Opera, said:

‘On behalf of the Board of ENO, I am pleased to welcome André de Ridder as our new Music Director. His reputation as an innovator, and commitment to collaboration across art forms, sets him apart in the world of opera. This is a time of change and renewal for the Company. André’s appointment matches our ambition and vision for the future.’

David Adams, Orchestra Leader of English National Opera, said:

’I am hugely excited by André’s appointment, and very much look forward to working with him. To be beginning my musical journey at ENO alongside such an inspiring musician and visionary artist is thrilling. His depth of knowledge, warmth and collegiality will be a huge asset to ENO for years to come.’

André de Ridder will conduct as Music Director Designate in English National Opera’s 2025/26 Season.

The position of Music Director at English National Opera is generously supported by the Philip Loubser Foundation, who also support the Mackerras Conducting Fellowship at ENO.