Bringing an end to weeks of speculation, Opera Australia has announced that Italian conductor Andrea Battistoni will take up the role of Music Director from January 2026. 

First attracting international attention at the Verdi Festival in 2010 and becoming the youngest conductor in the history of Teatro alla Scala when he was 24, Battistoni has built a career that includes engagements with Covent Garden, Deutsche Oper Berlin and the Royal Opera House Stockholm. He has conducted Opera Australia regularly since 2018 in works including Tosca, Aida, Il trovatore and Attila.

Andrea Battistoni

Battistoni said, “I’m looking forward to returning to Australia and reuniting with colleagues with whom I shared deep musical communication and understanding.” He also emphasised his ambition to expand the OA repertoire.

Also announced were the return of Board Chair Professor Glyn Davis and the appointment of incoming Chief Executive Officer Alex Budd. The search for the company’s new Artistic Director continues. The role has now been vacant for more than a year.

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