Antonio Pappano

Sir Antonio Pappano is an English-Italian conductor and pianist. Between 2002 and 2024, he was the longest-serving music director of the Royal Opera House. Since 2024, he has served as chief conductor of the London Symphony Orchestra.

Anna Nicole
Antonio Pappano - Verdi: Don Carlo

Take Me to the Opera · S3, E2

A Time of Change

Zeinab Badawi meets Sir Antonio Pappano as he ends his celebrated tenure as Music Director of the Royal Opera House. Sir Antonio has railed against the perception of opera as elitist and has supported and nurtured young talent throughout his career. Coming from a modest background, he tells Zeinab why he believes opera is a music that can be enjoyed by everyone from all walks of life.