©Tristram Kenton 05-24
His Majesty King Charles III joined the audience for a special gala performance to celebrate The Royal Opera’s longest serving Music Director, Antonio Pappano.
His Majesty joined the audience in congratulating Antonio Pappano on more than two decades at the musical helm of The Royal Opera.
Antonio Pappano, Music Director of The Royal Opera, said:
“It was a huge honour to welcome His Majesty to this wonderful evening, alongside the remarkable Orchestra, Chorus and an unrivalled ensemble cast of dear friends and long-time collaborators. While tonight was a tribute to my time at Covent Garden, it was also a celebration of singing, drama and the power music has to change us and enrich lives.”
Chief Executive of the Royal Opera House, Alex Beard, said:
“We were deeply honoured and absolutely delighted to welcome His Majesty King Charles III to this extraordinary night of music and singing. It’s impossible to understate Tony’s impact over the last 22 years. He’s part of the fabric of our theatre, and the legacy of his performances, and the talent he’s nurtured have made an enormous contribution to the arts globally.”
Director of The Royal Opera, Oliver Mears, said:
“This Gala was an opportunity for the whole House to gather and recognise all Tony has given to Covent Garden as a leader, communicator, colleague – and friend. It was a huge honour to welcome His Majesty The King to this special evening.”
Celebrating Pappano’s 22-year tenure as Music Director of The Royal Opera, the gala comprised performances by friends and regular collaborators including Aigul Akhmetshina, Carlos Álvarez, Xabier Anduaga, Diana Damrau, Freddie De Tommaso, Amartuvshin Enkhbat, Gerald Finley, Ermonela Jaho, Jonas Kaufmann, Huw Montague Rendall, Lisette Oropesa, Sondra Radvanovsky, Nadine Sierra, Insung Sim and Bryn Terfel.
They were joined by the Royal Opera Chorus and the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, led by Concert Master Vasko Vassilev performing repertoire by composers such as Donizetti, Massenet, Mozart, Puccini, Rossini, and Verdi.
A life-long music enthusiast and champion of the arts,His Majesty King Charles III invited Pappano to conduct the orchestra accompanying Their Majesties’ Coronation, which celebrated its one-year anniversary earlier this month.
Last week, it was confirmed that His Majesty would serve as Patron of the Royal Opera House, The Royal Opera and newly The Royal Ballet, taking over from his late mother Queen Elizabeth II.
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