26-year-old Hungarian Simon Erdei appointed Assistant Conductor at the Göteborg Opera after tough international competition

Hungarian conductor Simon Erdei has secured the position as Assistant Conductor at the Göteborg Opera following several days of auditions and competition from amongst 289 applicants.

There was considerable interest in this prestigious position. A total of 289 candidates applied, and ten of these were invited to a multi-day audition process. After a series of conducting sessions and workshops, Simon Erdei was selected.

“Simon is an extraordinary talent. He demonstrated tremendous musicality during his audition, and he has an exceptional level of dedication and drive,” says Andreas Lönnqvist, Orchestra Manager at the Göteborg Opera.

Vienna-based conductor Simon Erdei was born in 2000. He studied in both Vienna and Milan and has already built an international résumé through engagements across Europe. He has worked with the Hungarian State Opera and Tiroler Festspiele Erl, and has conducted both the Wiener Kammerorchester and, during the summer of 2026, the Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra.

”It is an immense honour to be joining the Göteborg Opera. The opportunity to work alongside such an exceptional orchestra, ensemble, and artistic team is truly extraordinary. I am very much looking forward to the seasons ahead”, says Simon Erdei.
He will join the Göteborg Opera in autumn 2027. During his tenure he will assist visiting conductors while also conducting performances and concerts throughout the 2027/2028 and 2028/2029 seasons.

“I am certain that Simon will have a remarkable conducting career, and I am truly delighted that the Göteborg Opera will be part of his journey,” says Andreas Lönnqvist.

This appointment is part of the Göteborg Opera’s long-term commitment to developing the next generation of conductors. In addition to the Assistant Conductor position, the opera house also organises masterclasses and workshops for young conducting students.

• More about Simon Erdei and images:SIMON ERDEI - Conductor

• For press enquiries, please contact press@opera.se, Marie Branner +46 (0)31-10 80 35 or Malin Linneroth +46 (0)31-10 80 68.