HarrisonParrott is delighted to announce that conductor André de Ridder has been appointed Music Director of English National Opera (ENO). De Ridder will begin his tenure as Music Director Designate in September 2025, and in February 2026 will lead a new production of Kurt Weill’s Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny. He will formally assume the role of Music Director in Autumn 2027.

Currently General Music Director of Theater Freiburg in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, de Ridder is a sought-after conductor known for his innovative interpretations of both classic and contemporary repertoire.  In Freiburg he has conducted titles such as Wozzeck, Hansel and Gretel, The Magic Flute, Don Carlos, Jenufa, Alcina, plus the German premiere of Nico Muhly’s Marnie.

Strongly committed to new music, he has previously conducted for ENO the premieres of Gerald Barry’s The Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant, and Michel van der Aa’s Sunken Garden. He has given premieres of works by composers such as Daniel Bjarnasson, Bryce Dessner, Max Richter, Wolfgang Rihm and Kaija Saariaho and also collaborated with bands such as Dirty Projectors, Flaming Lips and Gorillaz.

“It is an honour to be joining English National Opera as Music Director,” said de Ridder. ​“I’ve been privileged to work with ENO earlier in my career, experiences which have shaped my approach to repertoire, new work and expanding access to opera for wider audiences. I am excited to embark on this new chapter with ENO, particularly at this time of growth and transformation for the company, and to renew my connection with the Greater Manchester region.”

This appointment marks a significant moment for both de Ridder and ENO, and HarrisonParrott looks forward to supporting their continued success. De Ridder’s directorship promises to further enhance ENO’s national presence through its diverse programming across London and Greater Manchester.