Jakub Hrůša, one year into his tenure as music director of the Royal Opera, is embracing ambitious Wagner projects, beginning with Parsifal and followed next season by complete Ring cycles. He says he prefers taking significant risks to choosing safer options, while aiming to establish his own approach after Antonio Pappano’s 22-year leadership.

Hrůša is collaborating with director Evgeny Titov on a potentially provocative Parsifal production and with Barrie Kosky on the Ring. He supports theatre that challenges audiences, but says his changes at the Royal Opera have so far been subtle; he highlights the organisation’s efforts to attract newcomers, including nearly half of last season’s tickets going to first-time attenders.