Los Angeles Opera has announced the appointment of Venezuelan conductor Domingo Hindoyan as its next Music Director, ushering in a new era for one of America's leading opera companies. With a career that bridges continents and musical traditions, and a foundation deeply rooted in El Sistema, Hindoyan brings a personal story as compelling as his artistry.
Hindoyan will balance his new role with his responsibilities as chief conductor of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, which he has held since 2021.
Born in Caracas in 1980, Hindoyan began his musical journey at the age of five."I began my violin studies at a very young age at the Simón Bolívar Conservatory in Caracas, one of the central hubs of El Sistema," he shared in an interview with Codalario. He continued his training at the Juan José Landaeta and Pedro Nolasco Colón music schools and the Latin American Violin Academy, where he studied alongside future international stars like Gustavo Dudamel, Diego Matheuz, and Dietrich Paredes.
Hindoyan's trajectory took a decisive turn in 2000 when he left Venezuela for Switzerland. "I left Venezuela to pursue advanced studies and begin a European adventure," he recalled. His destination: the Habib Kayaleh Academy. Afterward, a successful audition landed him a spot in the orchestral conducting class at the Haute École de Musique de Genève, under the guidance of maestro Laurent Gay.
Conducting was not a spontaneous decision but a passion seeded early in his life."I had always been curious about the mystery of conducting an orchestra," Hindoyan noted. "I was fortunate to be the son of a musician who had many scores at home... I spent a lot of time listening to recordings, reading sheet music, and understanding how they are transposed to the instruments."
A global career
Hindoyan's professional breakthrough came as the first assistant to the Argentine-Israeli conductor Daniel Barenboim at the Deutsche Staatsoper Berlin from 2013 to 2016. Since then, his conducting engagements have spanned the globe, including performances at the Metropolitan Opera, Vienna State Opera, and the Opéra National de Paris.
As Chief Conductor of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, where his tenure has been marked by a blend of Latin American vibrancy and European classicism.
His LA Opera debut in November 2024 with Roméo et Juliette drew critical acclaim, praised for its warmth, rhythmic precision, and bold musical choices. This reception paved the way for his appointment as Music Director, a role he will assume starting in the 2026–27 season, following a transition period.
Christopher Koelsch, LA Opera's President and CEO, emphasized Hindoyan's "charisma, collaborative spirit, and international vision" as key to his selection. "Domingo understands what makes Los Angeles unique: its plurality, its diversity, its creativity," Koelsch said in a statement.
In turn, Hindoyan expressed both gratitude and excitement about the role: "It is a profound honor to join LA Opera, a company known for its artistic courage and strong ties to the community. I look forward to exploring bold repertoire choices and deepening the dialogue between tradition and innovation."
With this move, LA Opera signals not only an artistic shift but also a cultural bridge between North and South America. Hindoyan, who shares his life with celebrated Bulgarian soprano Sonya Yoncheva and their two children, is expected to bring new vitality to the West Coast operatic scene.
In a city shaped by immigrant stories, Domingo Hindoyan's path—from a five-year-old violinist in El Sistema to Music Director in Los Angeles—feels like a natural crescendo. His vision, shaped by global experience and Venezuelan roots, is poised to open the next thrilling chapter in LA Opera's history.
