Jakob Lehmann is quickly establishing himself as a highly sought-after conductor, energetically merging historically informed performance styles and fundamental stylistic research with emotionally sincere and engaging performances on period as well as modern instruments, both in the symphonic and operatic world.
Following his debut at the 2026 BBC Proms conducting Berlioz’ La damnation de Faust with Les Siècles, highlights in his 2026-2027 season include debuts with SWR Symphonieorchester, WDR Sinfonieorchester, Münchner Rundfunkorchester, Orchestre Philharmonique de Strasbourg, Wuppertaler Sinfonieorchester, Musikkollegium Winterthur, and Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra as well as opera productions at Volksoper Wien and Oper Wuppertal. Amongst his recurring collaborations are his long-term exploration of Rossini’s music on period instruments together with London’s Monteverdi Choir and Orchestras and concerts with Les Siècles, Orchestra of the 18th Century, and La Banda storica Bern, as well as teaching engagements at the Juilliard School New York and Mozarteum Salzburg.
Recent highlights have included collaborations with Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Bruckner Orchester Linz, Orchestre Philharmonique de Marseille, Wiener Symphoniker, Tonkünstler Orchester, Saarländisches Staatsorchester, Symfonieorkest Vlaanderen, Beethoven Orchester Bonn, as well as opera productions at Théâtre des Champs-Elysées, Opéra de Rennes, Angers-Nantes Opéra, and North Carolina Opera.
Being held in high regard amongst period instrument orchestras for his expertise in the historically informed performance styles of Classical and Romantic repertoire, he regularly works with high-profile groups such as Les Siècles, Monteverdi Choir and Orchestras, Orchestra of the 18th Century, and Anima Eterna Brugge.
As a specialist for the music of Rossini, Donizetti, Bellini, and the entire Belcanto period, he has contributed greatly to the exploration and research into the historically informed performance practice of this style. From 2019 till 2025 he served as Associate Artistic Director of New York based opera company Teatro Nuovo, and is presently serving as the company’s Artistic Advisor.
Jakob’s discography encompasses a wide range of repertoire on various labels, including his 2024 recording of Rossini’s L’italiana in Algeri with Eroica Berlin on Pan Classics, which was praised for its “astonishing approach“, and “relentless enthusiasm“. Forthcoming titles include Rossini’s Stabat Mater and Petite Messe Solennelle (with Monteverdi Choir & Orchestras), and operatic excerpts by Wagner (with Les Siècles and Beth Taylor), all on harmonia mundi.
