Semyon Bychkov (conductor)

Semyon Mayevich Bychkov (Russian: Семён Маевич Бычков, IPA: [sʲɪˈmʲɵn ˈma(j)ɪvʲɪdʑ bɨtɕˈkof]; born November 30, 1952) is a Soviet-born American conductor.

Bychkov studied at the Glinka Choir School for ten years before moving to the Leningrad Conservatory where he was a student of Ilya Musin.

[2] His family had suffered from official antisemitism[1] and after expressing views critical of the Soviet regime he decided to leave the country in 1974, going first to Vienna with only $100 in funds.

Again through his connection with Rudel, Bychkov made his debut conducting Carmen at the New York City Opera on September 30, 1981[3] (the run of 6 performances were his only appearances with that company).

Bychkov made his debut at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden in 2003 with a new production of Elektra, and returned later that year to conduct Boris Godunov.

In October 2017, the Czech Philharmonic announced the appointment of Bychkov as its next chief conductor and music director, effective with the 2018-2019 season.

[11] In April 2024, the Czech Philharmonic announced that Bychkov is to stand down as its chief conductor and music director at the close of the 2027-2028 season.