Schønwandt was principal guest conductor of the Théâtre National de La Monnaie from 1984 to 1987, and held the same post with the Danish National Symphony Orchestra from 1987 to 2000.
From 1984 to 1987, Schønwandt conducted for the Théâtre National de La Monnaie in a principal guest capacity. He then took on the same role with the Danish National Symphony Orchestra from 1987 until 2000.