Marie Jacquot Takes the Baton at WDR and Royal Danish Opera
Marie Jacquot has been appointed chief conductor of the WDR Symphony Orchestra and music director of the Royal Danish Opera. She steps into these roles at a time when classical music is undergoing rapid transformation. Her vision includes balancing tradition with bold new directions in opera and orchestral performance. Jacquot describes today’s classical music scene as a period of stylistic openness. Unlike past eras dominated by a few influential conductors, she notes that diverse aesthetic approaches now coexist. This shift has brought visual storytelling and directorial concepts to the forefront in opera houses.
She observes that smaller and mid-sized venues face growing pressure to prioritise audience engagement over artistic depth. Budget constraints and data-driven decisions, she warns, can limit creative freedom for leaders. In some cases, musical quality risks being overshadowed by spectacle or commercial concerns. For her work with the WDR Symphony Orchestra, Jacquot stresses the importance of long-term collaboration. She aims to build a repertoire spanning Baroque to contemporary music while fostering a distinct artistic identity. At the same time, she cautions against 'flattening ourselves' out of fear—urging the industry to preserve diversity rather than retreat into safe choices. Jacquot views her career as an ongoing journey, shaped by constant self-reflection. She remains committed to navigating the challenges of modern opera while staying true to her artistic principles.
As she takes on her new positions, Jacquot will lead two major institutions through a changing cultural landscape. Her focus on continuity, repertoire breadth, and artistic integrity will shape the future of both the WDR Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Danish Opera. The balance between innovation and tradition will define her tenure in these influential roles.
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