Sir Antonio Pappano joins LSO as chief conductor

Lucy Thraves
Tuesday, March 30, 2021

Pappano will take up the position from September 2024, becoming chief conductor designate in September 2023.

Sir Antonio Pappano with the LSO
Sir Antonio Pappano with the LSO

Photo: Liam Hennebry

The current Royal Opera House (ROH) music director will conduct the orchestra in its annual London Barbican season, and on national and international tours. 

He will step down from his role at ROH at the end July 2024.

Kathryn McDowell, managing director of the LSO said: '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 programmes with him for the LSO’s season in the Barbican and beyond. 

'With his considerable gifts as communicator off the podium, on film and audio broadcast, we will be developing new digital and broadcast projects tapping into his well-established credentials in this sphere. These will extend to young people through the LSO’s renowned LSO Discovery learning and community programme.'

Sir Antonio Pappano said: '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. The combination of a 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 honour 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.'

lso.co.uk