James Conlon has extended his contract as LA Opera music director for a further five years until the end of the 2017-18 season. The conductor, who works closely with the company’s general director, tenor Plácido Domingo, succeeded Kent Nagano as LA Opera music director in 2006 and has since then conducted 190 performances on the main stage - more than any other conductor in the company’s history.

‘James has had an incredible impact on the artistic quality of LA Opera performances,’ said Plácido Domingo. ‘Since his arrival, he has conducted more than half of our mainstage performances, inspiring performers and audiences alike through his extraordinary talents. His vision for the company’s future, like mine, is one of great ambition and optimism. We have so many exciting plans for LA Opera’s seasons to come, and I am greatly looking forward to continuing our work together.’

In addition to his LA duties, Conlon has been music director of the Ravinia Festival, summer home of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, since 2005, and music director of America's oldest choral festival, the Cincinnati May Festival, since 1979. He is scheduled to conduct LA Opera performances of Wagner's The Flying Dutchman and Rossini's La Cenerentola next month.