Christoph Gedschold — Conductor

Biography

Christoph Gedschold is one of the most distinguished German conductors of his generation. As former Music Director of Oper Leipzig (2022–2024) and Chief Conductor of the Copenhagen Philharmonic Orchestra, he shaped the intersection of grand operatic tradition and symphonic repertoire.

Christoph Gedschold conducts at Europe's leading opera houses and concert venues — from the Semperoper Dresden and Oper Frankfurt to the Elbphilharmonie Hamburg. As a sought-after Strauss and Wagner interpreter, he combines the great German Romantic tradition with a clear, analytical approach to sound.

Christoph Gedschold was born in Magdeburg in 1976. He studied piano and conducting at the conservatories in Leipzig and Hamburg; in Hamburg he was a student of Christof Prick. While still a student he served as repetiteur at the International Opera Studio of the Zurich Opera House.

From 2022 to 2024, Christoph Gedschold served as Music Director of Oper Leipzig, conducting works including Der Rosenkavalier, Elektra, Salome, Tristan und Isolde and Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg with the Gewandhausorchester. He previously led the Copenhagen Philharmonic as Chief Conductor and worked as Kapellmeister at Theater Luzern. At the Lucerne Festival he assisted Claudio Abbado, Mariss Jansons and Pierre Boulez.

He has a special affinity for Slavic repertoire: Die Passagierin by Weinberg at the Semperoper Dresden and Oper Frankfurt, Rusalka in Cologne, Eugene Onegin in Zurich, Katja Kabanova in Hamburg. His concert repertoire includes symphonies by Mahler, Bruckner, Brahms, Beethoven and Shostakovich.

Previous positions: Chief Conductor Copenhagen Phil (until 2026), Music Director Oper Leipzig (2022–24). Studies: Piano and Conducting, Leipzig and Hamburg. Focus: Strauss, Wagner, Slavic repertoire, Bruckner and Mahler cycles. Opera repertoire: approximately 70 operas by 35 composers.

Repertoire

Over 70 operas by 35 composers with a focus on Wagner, Strauss, Puccini, Verdi and Mozart. His symphonic repertoire includes works by Mahler, Bruckner, Brahms, Beethoven and Shostakovich. He has a special affinity for Slavic repertoire, including Dvořák, Tchaikovsky and Weinberg.

Artist Portrait

A cinematic portrait of Christoph Gedschold, filmed by Nikolaj Lund. The film follows the conductor in rehearsal and in conversation about his musical philosophy — from his engagement with Wagner and Strauss to his work with international orchestras.

Schedule

In the current season, Christoph Gedschold conducts Wagner's Parsifal at Deutsche Oper am Rhein Düsseldorf and Puccini's Madama Butterfly at Oper Leipzig. Summer 2026 brings Verdi's La Traviata and Tchaikovsky's Pique Dame at Oper Leipzig. The 2026/27 season features La Traviata, Der fliegende Holländer and a ballet evening "Bruckner" at Oper Leipzig.

Press

„Ein heller, elektrisierender, gewaltiger, präziser, analytischer, hypnotischer Strauss-Klang — Dirigent und Orchester und Repertoire seien füreinander geschaffen.“

Leipziger Volkszeitung, Peter Korfmacher, 2024

Strauss: Elektra, Oper Leipzig

„Eine Sternstunde. So eindrucksvoll habe ich die Oper noch nie gehört. Chapeau!“

Dieter David Scholz Blog, Dieter David Scholz, 2023

Britten: Peter Grimes, Oper Leipzig

„Die sinnliche Transparenz, die unwiderstehliche Plastizität tragen federnd und funkelnd über flotte dreieinhalb Nettostunden.“

Leipziger Volkszeitung, Peter Korfmacher, 2024

Strauss: Der Rosenkavalier, Oper Leipzig

„Mit äußerster Klarheit und Vorsicht entfaltet er die Partitur — ein offener Raum des Gedenkens.“

Süddeutsche Zeitung, Michael Stallknecht, 2015

Weinberg: Die Passagierin, Oper Frankfurt

Photos

All press photos by Nikolaj Lund. For high-resolution images please contact management.

Frequently Asked Questions

What repertoire does Christoph Gedschold conduct?

Christoph Gedschold conducts over 70 operas by 35 composers with a focus on Wagner, Strauss, Puccini, Verdi and Mozart. His symphonic repertoire includes works by Mahler, Bruckner, Brahms, Beethoven, Shostakovich and many more.

Where is Christoph Gedschold currently conducting?

Christoph Gedschold is engaged as guest conductor at leading opera houses and orchestras, including Deutsche Oper am Rhein Düsseldorf, Oper Leipzig, Göteborg Opera and the Odense Symfoniorkester.

How can I book Christoph Gedschold?

For booking inquiries please contact Stefan Schmerbeck Artists Management: stefan@schmerbeck.de or +49 172 819 07 36.

What positions has Christoph Gedschold held?

Christoph Gedschold was Chief Conductor of the Copenhagen Philharmonic (until 2026) and Music Director of Oper Leipzig (2022–24). Previously he was Kapellmeister at Theater Luzern and worked at the Lucerne Festival with Claudio Abbado, Mariss Jansons and Pierre Boulez.