Covent Garden names Italian principal guest conductor
NewsIn a surprise appointment, the Royal Opera House has let it be known that Speranza Scappucci is to become its principal guest conductor, the first to hold that title this century.
Scappucci, 50, will start in two years’ time, together with the incoming music director Jakub Hrůša.
Although well-known in Italy, she has only previously held a music director’s position at Liège in Belgium and has only conducted once before at the ROH, with Verdi’s Attila in July last year.
Early in her career, she was assistant to Riccardo Muti over eight summers at the Salzburg Festival. In January last year, she became the first woman to conduct a new production at La Scala.
Well they’re gonna have a …fun… time with her!
Ms. Scappucci may have held only one full-time position as music director, but she has had solid experience with several of the leading opera houses in the world.
This is not a equal opportunity hire…she possesses both the talent and vast experience. Brilliant hire.
Brava!
I take it you’ve never worked with her.
I have and she was really good.
Wow, beautiful I wish my friend a young outstanding female musician to have the same opportunities, despite the strong domination of males in Russian classical music field.
Could it be that with Pappano leaving his post, Covent Garden needed more of a permanent presence conducting the core Italian repertoire, which Hrusa presumably won’t perform as much as his predecessor?
Exactly. On the other hand, Hrusa was an INSANE hire for a Britsh opera company.
That’s great news. Her Attila was superb.
It’s the only plus anyone can cite.
Please elaborate.
She’s great! The real deal
You obviously haven’t witnessed certain orchestra rehearsals…Ask some musicians…
She has detractors….she must be good.
Strange barometer.
I have worked with her, in the pit. Ask some yourself!
So have I, hence my comment.
Looks like both Hrusa and Scappucci are “hold down the fort” hires, good enough to keep the house going as a duel for a while, but hardly inspired hires. They’ll do a solid enough job (if they don’t quit in 2 years à la Dudamel).
I’ve heard both a few times. I believe they’re considerably better than you’re implying here…………
She’s great but Rustioni is brilliant! Am still puzzled why Hrusa was chosen over him …
Because Hrusa is a far better musician and conductor….I have played german and russian rep under Rustioni.It was horrible.
A breath of new fresh air to the place, and a very fine conductor.
She gained a ton of experience in NY City opera. Conducted at the Met too. She’s not all Italian, lived a lot in the states
Not the new Kleiber but definitely knows the rep and has good energy.
Rustioni who apprenticed with Pappano is going to get a big big job in the next 3-5 years. He’s the real deal.
Energy yes, but technique no. Out of her depth with any orchestra comprising more than fifteen musicians.
That’s not been my experience, please back up your accusations!
I’m happy for you. We found her incapable of even accompanying an andante Mozart aria.
Rustioni will never get the ROH job. He was Pappanos favoured choice but the orchestra don’t like him. Can’t blame them when he’s conducting Otello lazily with one hand in his pocket and no real depth.
Following Strauss’ advice? Or was it Beecham? “Keep one hand in your waistcoat pocket and never smile encouragingly at the brass!”
Maybe Chicago just hired Hrusa?
Hrusa is conducting this coming week but I am afraid we’re nowhere near to having an idea who will be the next MD…..
We’re still unfortunately waiting for Sir “Dick” to leave otherwise he’ll be offended that we didn’t beg him enough to stay
That is good insight on MD situation, thank you.
Your last point also interesting — “not begging enough”; was he begged at all? I heard he wasn’t, but you are in the orchestra so I believe you if you say he was somewhat begged.
Oh yes, yes!!
As there is a line from Schnabel directly to Beethoven, so there is a line from Scappucci, through Muti, to Verdi the Italian master himself!
London audiences will benefit from it as Scappucci can now pass down Muti’s treasures to the Brits; for example, we hope that Muti taught Scappucci what Verdi really meant by “Rivedrai le foreste imbalsamate”!! Muti is an eminent forestal scholar and a deeply spiritual man – he’s showed us a connection between this line of Aida and the second line of Dante’s immortal poem! Susanna can now transmit this knowledge!!
Long live Italian Opera, Riccardo, Verdi, Dante and above all … La Selva Oscura!!
so there is a line from Scappucci, through Muti, to Verdi the Italian master himself!
A future in stand-up beckons.
Good, solid Kapellmeister quality apparently. I’m surprised the ROH didn’t reach higher. Unless, of course, it’s about this person ticking a certain HR box…
Of course it was. A man of similar ability would still be limping around the lower regions of the Ochsentour.
She conducted . the Met’s Rigoletto this season and was splendid. Few of us knew her name, but can’t forget it now. Bravo to the ROH.
Hey, why are there so many dislikes under my comment?
Are they the ones who are jealous of female conductors or do you really think that a girl from Russia is always about politics?
No, Nina, it’s just that your comment didn’t make any sense.
NG, Music makes sense, and there is nothing about music or conducting in your message.