Latvian conductor Ainars Rubikis has been appointed as the General Music Director of Staatstheater Kassel starting from the 2025-6 season.

Previously, Rubikis served as the General Music Director of the Komische Oper Berlin, overseeing the musical direction of one of Germany's most esteemed opera houses. He is familiar to the orchestra at Staatstheater Kassel due to prior collaborations.

In a statement, Art and Culture Minister Timon Gremmels expressed his satisfaction in attracting such a prominent artist to Kassel. He believes that Ainars Rubikis will successfully blend musical excellence and artistic vision at Staatstheater Kassel, enhancing the overall quality of productions both on and off stage.

Rubikis first gained international recognition in 2010 when he won the Gustav Mahler Conducting Competition. He has since received accolades such as the Nestlé and Salzburg Festival Young Conductors Award. His career has included engagements with prestigious institutions like Opera National de Montpellier, Lyric Opera of Chicago, and Gran Teatre del Liceu Barcelona.