The Grand Théâtre de Genève Fondation Board today announced the nomination of Alain Perroux to succeed Aviel Cahn as General Manager of the Grand Théâtre de Genève from the 2026/2027 season. Aviel Cahn will leave the GTG at that time to take up a position as General Manager of the Deutsche Oper in Berlin.

Born in Geneva in 1971, Alain Perroux studied choral conducting and singing at the Conservatoire Supérieur de Genève, as well as literature at the University of Geneva (in musicology and German literature). After eight years as music critic for the Journal de Genève and then for Le Temps, he was dramaturge at the Grand Théâtre de Genève from 2001 to 2009. From 2003 to 2011, he was also head of the Opéra de Poche de Genève, an independent opera company. He was then director of artistic administration and dramaturge at the Festival d’Aix-en-Provence from 2009 to 2020. He gives numerous lectures and publishes introductory books on opera (L’Opéra, mode d’emploi, 2000 and 2015) and the American musical (La Comédie musicale, mode d’emploi, 2009), as well as monographs on the composers Frank Martin and Franz Schreker. Since January 2020, he has been General Director of the Opéra national du Rhin (Strasbourg, Mulhouse and Colmar).

Sami Kanaan, Administrative Councillor in charge of the Department of Culture and Digital Transition: “The arrival of Alain Perroux at the head of the Grand Théâtre is a welcome return to Geneva. This appointment is excellent news for the institution and for our city. With his knowledge of the institution, his experience gained in major European opera houses and his deep desire to share his passion for opera, I am sure he will be able to combine artistic excellence with openness to all audiences.

Xavier Oberson, Chairman of the Grand Théâtre de Genève Fondation Board: “The nomination procedure took place in a very constructive atmosphere, at a high artistic and entrepreneurial level, while taking into account the challenges facing this flagship cultural heritage institution. The Fondation du Grand Théâtre de Genève is delighted to have been able to find a candidate with all the skills needed to ensure that the Grand Théâtre continues to enjoy international renown and remain open to the world.

Alain Perroux, appointed General Manager of the Grand Théâtre de Genève: “On the strength of its internationally recognised excellence, the Grand Théâtre de Genève is an ideal institution to pass on the passion for opera and dance to as many people as possible. I’m very familiar with this house, where I saw my first opera performances at the age of 11 and to which I’ve returned again and again, before working there in the 2000s. The Grand Théâtre was the cradle of this passion that I have always tried to share. The joy I feel at the idea of returning there in July 2026 is immense.