The Royal Opera House at Covent Garden is ushering in a transformative new chapter, marked by a significant generational shift in its artistic leadership. This season welcomes Jakub Hrůša as Music Director, succeeding Sir Antonio Pappano after his monumental 22-year tenure, and Speranza Scappucci as Principal Guest Conductor, the first to hold that title in three decades.
A Fresh Baton at Covent Garden
The transition represents a deliberate move towards a new artistic perspective. Hrůša, 44, steps into the role two decades younger than his predecessor. Born in Brno, Czech Republic, he brings a wealth of experience from leading the Bamberg Symphony and his upcoming role with the Czech Philharmonic. His debut season has already seen him lead a new staging of Puccini's 'Tosca' and the company's first-ever production of Janáček's 'The Makropulos Case'.
Scappucci, 52, makes history as the Royal Opera's first Principal Guest Conductor since Daniele Gatti in the 1990s. The Roman-born conductor, a former rehearsal pianist who assisted Riccardo Muti, broke barriers as the first Italian woman to conduct at Milan's La Scala. Her initial work in the new role involved a revival of Verdi's 'Les Vêpres Siciliennes' in its rare French version.
Philosophies and Practicalities of Programming
Both conductors emphasise a collaborative, detail-oriented approach over grand proclamations. "Every little bit counts," Hrůša remarked, highlighting the importance of daily, nonverbal communication in rehearsals. He aims to foster "a beautiful openness" to stimulating discoveries within the company.
However, they are acutely aware of the practical realities of running a major opera house. Hrůša acknowledges that financial health necessitates regularly programming beloved, audience-drawing works. His future selections will include Czech operas, while Scappucci's expertise leans towards bel canto, Verdi, and Puccini. They plan the repertoire alongside Covent Garden's Director of Opera, Oliver Mears, and his team.
Building Relationships and Looking Forward
The nature of staged opera allows for deep, sustained collaboration. Scappucci values being present daily at stagings, noting, "this way you can build." She recalled formative advice from a childhood piano teacher: "music will never abandon you." Her relationship with Hrůša is built on mutual respect; she describes him as a "great musician and a really, really warm human being" with a clear vision.
Industry figures like Carnegie Hall's Clive Gillinson see the leadership change as a vital opportunity for renewal. "It redefines who they are... One has to keep redefining our art and never stand still," he observed, while paying tribute to Pappano's extraordinary impact.
Beyond Covent Garden, both maestros maintain busy international schedules. Scappucci will lead a rare French version of Donizetti's 'Lucie de Lammermoor' in Paris this April, while Hrůša continues his commitments in Bamberg and prepares for his future in Prague. Their joint leadership promises to blend fresh European perspectives with the Royal Opera's storied tradition, steering the iconic institution into its next era.
