Conductor Daniel Barenboim (right) has been appointed music director at Teatro alla Scala in Milan.
Barenboim has been working at the opera house in the role of ‘maestro of La Scala’ for the past five years, during which time he has conducted around two operas a year. But from 1 December 2011 he will take on the music directorship, which has been vacant since Riccardo Muti left in 2005 over artistic and programming differences.
Barenboim has committed to remain with the Italian opera house until 2016.
In a statement La Scala said: ‘It is a source of satisfaction and pride to the general manager Stéphane Lissner, the establishment of a close relationship with one of the greatest conductors of our time.’
The statement went on to pay tribute to the ‘tremendous’ work Barenboim had already done at the house and said that he would be involved with La Scala for 15 weeks a year, preparing operas, concerts and tours.
Elizabeth Davis