Gaffigan will remain general music director until 2030

The mix of “progressive productions, courageous programming and a really inviting atmosphere” is “an important source of inspiration” for him.

Berlin’s Senator for Culture Sarah Wedl-Wilson (independent) said: “Berlin deserves the best minds. The Komische Oper Berlin definitely has one of them in James Gaffigan.” Gaffigan is an absolute world-class conductor. Getting him to work for Berlin for another three years in 2027 “was my top priority,” said Wedl-Wilson. The directors Susanne Moser and Philip Bröking also described the contract extension as a forward-looking step.

Soon to be music director in Berlin and Houston

In addition to his Berlin position, Gaffigan will start as music director at the Houston Grand Opera at the beginning of the 2027/2028 season. Despite the new chapter, it remains his “concern to maintain my close relationship with the Komische Oper Berlin”. Although the two houses are very different, they are connected by “the same artistic values ​​and an uncompromising commitment to excellence”.

In his previous work as general music director of the Komische Oper Berlin, Gaffigan most recently led new productions of Salome, Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk and the joint project Thousand in Tempelhof with the German Symphony Orchestra and the Rundfunkchor Berlin in the Hangar. With formats such as children’s concerts, Gaffigan also has the young audience in particular in mind.