Opera Carolina Appoints New Music Director and Principal Conductor

American conductor Stefano Vignati will step into the role

Opera Carolina in Charlotte, North Carolina, has announced that conductor Stefano Vignati has been appointed as its new Music Director and Principal Conductor, and he stepped into the role on May 1, 2025.

Vignati has over 60 operas in his repertoire and is the current Principal Guest Conductor at the New York City Opera. He is also Artistic and Music Director of the International Lyric Academy, which in 2025 will celebrate its 31st anniversary.

Between 2007 and 2017, Vignati was the artistic and music director of the Tuscia Opera Festival in Italy. In 2009, he was also appointed Artistic and Music Director of the Italian American Opera Foundation in Los Angeles, and in 2010, he became Artistic Director of the Viterbo Baroque Festival — at which he conducted ensembles such as the Accademia Baroque Orchestra of Santa Cecilia.

Originally a pianist and composer, Vignati studied conducting with N. Hansalik Samale and Lawrence Golan, and holds a master's degree in conducting from the University of Denver, Colorado. He has taught conducting at Drake University, where he was also Director and Principal Conductor of the Drake Opera Theater (2015-2022).

"I am excited to continue to work along side and learn from such a tremendously talented artist," said Dr Shanté Williams, General Director of Opera Carolina. "Maestro Vignati has delighted audiences around the world, and it has been a joy to watch him carry out the work that we value at Opera Carolina, developing the next generation of Opera talent and patrons. His cultivation of artists as young as 7 and as seasoned as 70 will help usher us into our next 75 years."

"I am honored to be appointed Music Director and Principal Conductor of Opera Carolina," said Vignati. "It is a privilege to work alongside this visionary team and to contribute to the company’s bright future."