Antonio Pappano has today been named the first-ever Conductor Laureate of The Royal Opera, following a historic 22-year tenure as Music Director. The new role, effective immediately, honours his legacy as the longest-serving Music Director in the company’s history, having conducted over 700 performances from September 2002 to June 2024. Pappano will continue to conduct regularly in future Seasons, including the final two instalments of Wagner’s Ring cycle, directed by Barrie Kosky.

The announcement comes ahead of tonight’s premiere of Die Walküre – the first time Pappano has returned to conduct the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House since formally passing the baton to his successor Jakub Hrůša, who becomes Music Director in September 2025.

'It is a huge honour to receive this title, and I am delighted to continue to have a relationship with this House which is very dear to me,' said Pappano. 'Opera is an extraordinary art form, full of drama, emotion and relevance and I look forward to returning to work on incredible productions alongside colleagues who are also friends.'

Pappano has been especially admired for his mentorship of singers, including those on the Jette Parker Artists Programme, and his close relationship with both the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House and Royal Opera Chorus.

Margaret Campbell, Section Principal Flute, commented: 'I have been in the Orchestra since Tony began his tenure. Tony really does "music". He explores all the emotions in the operas, delving deep into the storytelling. He will take even the smallest seemingly unimportant orchestral detail and nurture it so that it weaves into the texture (or out of it) with the right colour and nuance. His attention to detail, enthusiasm and astonishing energy levels have truly inspired the orchestra and together the music making has been of the highest quality. The musical excellence we have enjoyed whilst working with Tony means this title of Conductor Laureate is a hugely well-deserved tribute.'

Oliver Mears, Director of Opera, said: 'For more than two decades, Tony has done more to define Covent Garden’s identity than anyone else. His boundless love for opera is matched only by his tireless determination to apply the utmost rigour and energy to every aspect of making it: conducting, getting the best out of singers, mining the text, communicating the art form’s wider purpose, and creating an atmosphere of togetherness and approachability. In his time here, he fostered not only exemplary standards, but a feeling of unsnobbish company which is central to the success of any collective artistic endeavour. It is wonderful that we are able to recognise Tony’s achievements with this title.'