LA Opera has announced the appointment of Domingo Hindoyan as its next Richard Seaver Music Director. He will begin a five-year term in July 2026, succeeding James Conlon, who will step down at the end of the 2025/26 season and assume the newly created title of Conductor Laureate.

Hindoyan made his debut with the company in November 2024 conducting Gounod’s Roméo et Juliette. He currently serves as Chief Conductor of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, a position he has held since 2021. His 2024 recording of Bruckner's Symphony No 4 with the orchestra was well received by Gramophone, which described his interpretation as ‘well paced, admirably attentive to dynamics’.

In his statement, LA Opera President and CEO Christopher Koelsch cited Hindoyan’s ‘musical fluency and collaborative spirit,’ adding that he emerged as the clear choice following an international search. ‘His debut last autumn revealed a conductor of insight and clarity, well suited to shaping the company’s next chapter,’ said Koelsch.

Hindoyan will be the third Music Director in LA Opera’s history, following Kent Nagano and James Conlon. Speaking of the appointment, Conlon said: ‘Domingo is an artist of exceptional depth and imagination, and I know the company will benefit greatly from his leadership.’

Hindoyan expressed enthusiasm about the role, noting ‘a strong connection to the company’s musicians and artistic team,’ and a desire to contribute to the company’s future direction. His appointment coincides with LA Opera’s preparations for its 40th anniversary season.