English National Opera (ENO) has announced the appointment of André de Ridder as its new Music Director, alongside details of its ambitious 2025/26 Season.
De Ridder will begin his role as Music Director Designate in September 2025, with his first conducting engagement in February 2026. He will officially take up the post of Music Director in Autumn 2027.
The 2025/26 Season features 12 productions and concerts across London and Greater Manchester, including five new productions and a series of major broadcast collaborations.
Jenny Mollica, Chief Executive of ENO, said:
“Today’s announcement marks a new chapter of creative renewal for ENO, underlined by the thrilling appointment of our new Music Director, André de Ridder. André’s compelling blend of innovation and artistry, combined with his commitment and readiness to chart new ground in opera make him the perfect fit for ENO.”
She added:
“Alongside welcoming André, we are delighted to announce our forthcoming 2025/26 Season – defined by ambitious new productions and the ongoing expansion of our work nationally. As we continue to drive a new vision for opera – across London, Greater Manchester and beyond – today’s announcement represents a significant step forward in our direction of travel.”
De Ridder, currently General Music Director of Theater Freiburg in Germany, has conducted at leading opera houses including Finnish National Opera, Dutch National Opera, and Staatsoper Stuttgart.
Speaking on his appointment, 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.”
De Ridder is known for his commitment to new music, having previously conducted ENO premieres of The Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant and Sunken Garden, as well as the world premiere of Monkey: Journey to the West at Manchester International Festival.
Annilese Miskimmon, Artistic Director of ENO, commented:
“We’re delighted to make this announcement today, reaffirming our commitment to our devoted audiences at the London Coliseum, and reaching new audiences in Greater Manchester.”
“This season showcases new contemporary masterpieces and ENO firsts, alongside the return of our well-loved revivals, and two new broadcast partnerships with Factory Films for Sky Arts and BBC Radio 3. We are thrilled that André is joining ENO and that his first conducting engagement as Music Director Designate will be for our new production of Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny.”
“A passionate advocate for both classical repertoire and contemporary work, his vision and ambition both for the artform and for ENO as a company will make the next years truly industry and audience leading.”
ENO’s commitment to accessibility continues with free tickets for Under 21s at every performance at the London Coliseum, now extended to audiences in Greater Manchester. Substantial discounts for Under 35s and ticket prices starting at £15 (including fees) remain in place.
More information can be found here
