Domingo Hindoyan opens his first season as LA Opera’s new music director

Domingo Hindoyan, the renowned conductor, has officially opened his first season as the new music director of LA Opera.

He conducted the premiere of a new production of Georges Bizet’s Carmen directed by Thaddeus Strassberger. The performance opened the 2026/27 season and marked the start of Hindoyan’s five-year contract.

Shortly after the grand premiere, LA Opera released a special video message from the maestro to the audience. In it, Hindoyan thanked the public for their warm welcome and expressed his delight at working with the singers, chorus and orchestra.

The season opening drew many celebrities, including Jennifer Lopez. The guest of honor for the evening was the conductor’s wife, Sonya Yoncheva, the celebrated opera diva.

Hilda Solis, an American public official and one of Los Angeles’ key political figures, met with the maestro in person, noting that he brings his extensive experience and love of music to Los Angeles County, while his Venezuelan and Armenian roots offer a unique cultural perspective.

Domingo Hindoyan was born in Venezuela. His father, Domingo García, is a violinist and former concertmaster and president of the Venezuela Symphony Orchestra. His mother, Vicky Hindoyan, is a Syrian Armenian born in Aleppo who worked as a lawyer at Venezuela’s National Assembly.