Belgium's Opéra Royal de Wallonie-Liège Announces New Music Director

Conductor Giampaolo Bisanti will succeed current director Speranza Scappucci, who has elected not to renew her contract, having held the position since 2017. The opera house has a history of stable leadership, having had only six Music Directors since its inception in 1967.

In a press statement, the opera house thanked outgoing Music Director Scappucci for her outstanding service, during which time she has substantially improved the company's international standing and influence.

Giampaolo Bisanti initially studied clarinet, conducting, piano, and composition at Milan's Giuseppe Verdi Conservatory. He is currently Music Director at the Teatro Petruzzelli in Bari, Italy, and has regular engagements with various opera companies throughout Europe.

Bisanti has worked with the Liège opera previously, including a performance of Rigoletto in 2017 and of Anna Bolena in 2019. During that time, the opera house's management said they were impressed with the way that he built relationships with the opera's different departments.

Bisanti's first appearance in Liège will be at the opening of the 2022/23 season, on Saturday, August 27.