Sir Antonio Pappano is an English-Italian conductor and pianist born December 30th, 1959. Known for his charismatic leadership, stylish performances and vast operatic and symphonic repertoire, Pappano has held numerous prestigious roles including Music Director of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, (a position he held for more than twenty years). He is currently Chief Conductor of the London Symphony Orchestra.
Born in England to Italian parents, Pappano moved to the United States with his family as a teenager. He trained in piano and composition, and often assisted his father - a voice coach - by accompanying pupils in rehearsals. Pappano later worked as a rehearsal accompanist at the New York City Opera, and served as assistant to both Daniel Barenboim at the Bayreuth Festival and Michael Gielen at the Frankfurt Opera.
Pappano was Music Director of the Royal Theatre of La Monnaie, Brussels, from 1992 to 2002 and held the same position at Orchestra dell'Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia, Rome, from 2005 to 2023, and the Royal Opera House from 2002 to 2024. Although best known as a conductor of opera, he has spoken of a wish to focus more on symphonic music in future.
Having conducted the London Symphony Orchestra more than 70 times since his debut in 1996, Pappano was announced as the orchestra’s next Chief Conductor in 2021, taking the baton from Sir Simon Rattle. He commenced the role in 2023 under the title of Chief Conductor-Designate before officially taking over at the beginning of the 2024 - 2025 season.
Throughout his celebrated career, Pappano has received many awards for his contribution to the field. These include the 2003 Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in Opera, a Knighthood for services to music in the 2012 New Year’s Honours list, and the Royal Philharmonic Society’s Gold Medal in 2015. He was also appointed Commander of the Royal Victorian Order in 2024 for leading the orchestra at the coronation of King Charles III.