Philippe Jordan, born on October 18, 1974, in Zürich, Switzerland, is an acclaimed conductor and pianist renowned for his dynamic interpretations and leadership in the world of opera and orchestral music. The son of esteemed conductor Armin Jordan, Philippe demonstrated his musical talent early, beginning piano lessons at six and joining the Zürcher Sängerknaben choir by eight. By the age of nine, he aspired to follow in his father’s footsteps as a conductor.
After studying at the Zürich Conservatory and earning honors in piano instruction, Jordan honed his craft under the guidance of prominent musicians, including Swiss composer Hans Ulrich Lehmann and pianist Karl Engel. His professional journey began as an assistant to Jeffrey Tate on Wagner's "Der Ring des Nibelungen" in Paris.
In the 1994-1995 season, he became the first Kapellmeister at Theater Ulm, followed by a notable debut at Théâtre Royal de la Monnaie in Brussels. His impressive conducting resume includes performances at prestigious venues such as the Vienna Staatsoper, Semperoper Dresden, and the Aix-en-Provence International Festival.
Jordan served as music director of the Opéra National de Paris from 2009 to 2021, where he significantly influenced the company’s artistic direction. He also held the position of chief conductor of the Wiener Symphoniker from 2014 to 2021. In 2020, he was appointed the music director of the Vienna State Opera, with plans to conclude his tenure in the 2024-2025 season. Jordan continues to be a vital force in classical music, celebrated for his artistry and leadership.
