Yannick Nézet-Séguin
Virtuoso conductor
Yannick Nézet-Séguin is one of the world’s leading music figures, famous for his unconventional style, dynamic leadership and innovative contributions to classical music.
A maestro with a vibrant vision
Yannick Nézet-Séguin has emerged as one of the most influential conductors of his generation.
Known for his spirited conducting and profound musical insight, Nézet-Séguin has deeply impacted audiences and the musicians who collaborate with him worldwide.
From prodigious talent to global music director
Born in Montreal (Quebec) Nézet-Séguin developed a passion for music at a young age.
He studied piano, conducting, and composition at the Conservatoire de musique du Québec. At just 19, he founded La Chapelle de Montréal, his own professional orchestral and vocal ensemble, and at 25 was named Music Director of the Orchestre Métropolitain de Montréal demonstrating his early dedication to music and leadership.
He served as Principal Conductor of the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra from 2008 to 2018, a tenure that earned him the title of Honorary Conductor upon his departure. He currently serves as Music and Artistic Director at The Philadelphia Orchestra, a role that has been extended through to 2030. Since 2018, Nézet-Séguin has also held the prestigious role of Music Director at New York’s Metropolitan Opera, only the third person to assume this title in the institution’s history. In 2019, he accepted a lifetime contract with the Orchestre Métropolitain de Montréal, solidifying his enduring commitment to his hometown’s musical community. He also enjoys close collaborations with the Berlin and Vienna Philharmonics, Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, and Chamber Orchestra of Europe, and has led performances at Teatro Alla Scala, The Royal Ballet and Opera, Dutch National Opera, the Vienna State Opera and major festivals such as Salzburg, which is supported by Rolex.
His numerous accomplishments also include being appointed Companion to the Order of Arts and Letters of Québec in 2015 and receiving Musical America’s Artist of the Year in 2016. In 2021, he became an Officer of Arts and Letters, an honour bestowed by the French government. Already a winner of multiple Grammy Awards, in 2025 he was awarded another for Best Compilation Soundtrack For Visual Media for Maestro: Music By Leonard Bernstein.
He became a Rolex Testimonee in 2024.
