London Symphony Orchestra Appoints New Chief Conductor

The orchestra announced the appointment of Sir Antonio Pappano as its Chief Conductor, effective from September 2024

The Italian conductor will become Chief Conductor Designate in September 2023. He steps down from his post as Music Director of the Royal Opera House at the end of July 2024.

He has served as Music Director of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, since 2002, and Music Director of the Orchestra dell’Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia in Rome since 2005.

Pappano has also led the Lyric Opera of Chicago, the Bayreuth Festival as Musical Assistant to Daniel Barenboim, Oslo’s Den Norske Opera, Brussels' Théâtre Royal de la Monnaie, and the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra.

"Since I first collaborated with the LSO in 1996 I have time and again been overwhelmed by the team spirit inherent in this fabulously talented group of musicians," Pappano said. "The combination of unique energy, flair, and virtuosity has always set this orchestra apart. That I have been chosen as Chief Conductor is a dream come true and a most wonderful gift. I am humbled and excited to receive this honor and trust.

"I am committed to keeping London as my musical home and look forward to this most important journey that awaits me, full not only of discovery but also of continued exploration of technological and broadcast opportunities to convey the message of music to an ever greater audience."

"I am delighted to welcome Sir Antonio Pappano as Chief Conductor of the LSO," Kathryn McDowell, the orchestra's Managing Director. "We are deepening our association with him at a crucial time of rebuilding and refocussing following the challenges of the pandemic. With Tony, every concert performance is a memorable and special event. He is the dynamic life force that the LSO welcomes in the leading conductor role and I look forward to planning imaginative programs with him for the LSO’s season in the Barbican and beyond."