Calay News
On Thursday, the Paris Opera announced that Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel had resigned as music director of the institution, citing “personal reasons.” Dudamel, who arrived in Paris in 2021 with a six-season contract, expressed in a statement his regret in announcing his decision to resign from the post to spend more time with his family. At 42 years old, the renowned artist mentioned that we live in an era that has profoundly transformed our existence and that his only plan at the moment is to be with his loved ones.
Gustavo Dudamel is known as one of the most prominent and highly paid orchestra conductors in the world. Until now, he had been reconciling his work in Paris with his life in Los Angeles, where his son from a previous relationship and his current partner, Spanish actress Maria Valverde, reside.
Dudamel will now focus on working in Los Angeles and preparing for his next challenge in New York, where he will take over as artistic and music director of the Philharmonic in 2026.
The general director of the Paris Opera, Alexander Neef, thanked Gustavo Dudamel for his passion and immense talent, which have significantly contributed to the institution’s repertoire. Neef highlighted the special relationship that Dudamel had built with the orchestra’s musicians, chorus artists, singers, and artistic teams based on mutual respect and the desire to deliver exceptional performances together. The recent successful production of “Nixon in China” is a prime example of this collaboration.
In summary, although Dudamel is leaving his post at the Paris Opera, his remarkable talent and contributions to the world of music continue to be recognized and appreciated, and his upcoming role with the New York Philharmonic promises to be an exciting new phase in his career.
