French conductor. He was born in Paris on January 11, 1965, into a musical family. From early childhood he sang in a boys' choir, but began studying music systematically quite late – at age 14–15, which he describes as "unusual for a conductor". After graduating from the Paris Conservatory, he worked as a violist and violinist in the Orchestre Colonne, then became assistant to its principal conductor Pierre Dervaux. In 1986, at age 21, he received his first leadership position – principal conductor of the French Youth Symphony Orchestra, where he worked until 1990.
From 1993 to 1995 – first kapellmeister at the Anhalt Theatre (Dessau, Germany). From 1996 to 1998 – first kapellmeister and deputy music director of the Vienna Volksoper. In 1999, he became music director of the Teatre Liceu (Barcelona), holding this post until 2004.
From 2002 to 2010 – principal conductor of the Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra. This period is considered the peak of his career: under his baton, complete cycles of Mahler's symphonies and Wagner's operas were performed, including "The Ring of the Nibelung" and "Tristan und Isolde".
In 2008, he made his debut at the opening of the Salzburg Festival with the opera "Don Giovanni". Since then, he has regularly collaborated with the Vienna State Opera and the Salzburg Festival. In 2025, replacing a colleague who fell ill just days before the first performance, he conducted "The Magic Flute" at the Vienna State Opera – and the production was hailed as one of the best premieres of the season.
De Billy is known for his fleet-footed interpretations of Mozart. A Salzburg Festival critic described his "Don Giovanni" as "frenzied, fountaining with energy".
De Billy is considered one of the leading interpreters of Wagner in France and Austria.
A regular partner for opera stars. He has worked frequently with Anna Netrebko, Elīna Garanča, Juan Diego Flórez, and especially closely with Plácido Domingo.
Photo: (c) Marco Borggreve
From 1993 to 1995 – first kapellmeister at the Anhalt Theatre (Dessau, Germany). From 1996 to 1998 – first kapellmeister and deputy music director of the Vienna Volksoper. In 1999, he became music director of the Teatre Liceu (Barcelona), holding this post until 2004.
From 2002 to 2010 – principal conductor of the Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra. This period is considered the peak of his career: under his baton, complete cycles of Mahler's symphonies and Wagner's operas were performed, including "The Ring of the Nibelung" and "Tristan und Isolde".
In 2008, he made his debut at the opening of the Salzburg Festival with the opera "Don Giovanni". Since then, he has regularly collaborated with the Vienna State Opera and the Salzburg Festival. In 2025, replacing a colleague who fell ill just days before the first performance, he conducted "The Magic Flute" at the Vienna State Opera – and the production was hailed as one of the best premieres of the season.
De Billy is known for his fleet-footed interpretations of Mozart. A Salzburg Festival critic described his "Don Giovanni" as "frenzied, fountaining with energy".
De Billy is considered one of the leading interpreters of Wagner in France and Austria.
A regular partner for opera stars. He has worked frequently with Anna Netrebko, Elīna Garanča, Juan Diego Flórez, and especially closely with Plácido Domingo.
Photo: (c) Marco Borggreve
