Cambreling was the music director of the Théâtre de la Monnaie, Brussels from 1981 to 1991, during Gerard Mortier's tenure. He served as artistic director and general music director of the Frankfurt Opera from 1993 to 1997. During his Frankfurt tenure, he encountered controversy over proposed budget cuts from the city of Frankfurt and the director for opera and ballet, Martin Steinhoff.
Cambreling held the position of music director at the Théâtre de la Monnaie, Brussels from 1981 to 1991 under Gerard Mortier's leadership. He later served as artistic and general music director of the Frankfurt Opera from 1993 to 1997, during which he faced opposition over proposed budget reductions by the city of Frankfurt and Martin Steinhoff, the opera and ballet director.