Sir Antonio Pappano will continue as Music Director of The Royal Opera until the end of the 2023–24 ROH Season before joining the London Symphony Orchestra as Chief Conductor Designate in 2023–24, then Chief Conductor in September 2024.
Over the next three seasons at the Royal Opera House, he will conduct new productions of Rigoletto and Samson et Dalila and revivals of The Marriage of Figaro, Cavalleria rusticana and Pagliacci, followed by a new cycle of Richard Wagner’s Der Ring des Nibelungen, working with stage director Barrie Kosky.
ROH Chief Executive Alex Beard said, "I am delighted that Tony has decided to make the UK his long-term musical base, continuing his commitment to enhancing musical life in London and ensuring his close relationship with UK-wide audiences is ongoing. This is fantastic news for London as we collectively rebuild the arts following the pandemic. I look forward to the next three seasons of remarkable music-making together at Covent Garden, Tony's operatic home, and to many years of close friendship and association."
Pappano added, "over the last twenty years, the ROH has become my family, my home and my heart. The richness and depth of my relationship with UK audiences is hugely important to me and I am thrilled to be able to continue this with the LSO. I am excited to embrace future projects with friends and colleagues at the ROH over the next three seasons and I look forward to continuing our close and wonderful association over the many years ahead."