Antonio Pappano

British born, Italian naturalized conductor and pianist

Antonio Pappano (born December 30, 1959 in Epping) is a British conductor and pianist of Italian origin. He is the conductor of the orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden in London, and l'Orchestra dell'Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia in Rome.

Antonio Pappano
Pappano (right) being given the Vittorio de Sica prize from Italian President Giorgio Napolitano in 2010
BornDecember 30, 1959

Pappano was born in England, but his family had come from Italy. When he was 13 years old, he moved with his family to Connecticut, in the United States. There he had his musical training, learning to play the piano as well as composition and conducting. He became a rehearsal accompanist at the New York City Opera.

Pappano is the youngest conductor to lead the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House in London, accompanying both the Royal Opera and Royal Ballet. He is also an excellent piano accompanist.