Roberto Abbado from Italy Appointed as the 8th Artistic Director of the National Symphony

Nephew of Renowned Conductor Claudio Abbado
Three-Year Term Begins January 1 Next Year

Roberto Abbado, the principal conductor of the Bologna Municipal Theatre Philharmonic Orchestra in Italy, has been appointed as the 8th artistic director of the National Symphony Orchestra.

Abbado is the nephew of the late renowned conductor Claudio Abbado, who passed away in 2014. He will lead the National Symphony Orchestra for three years starting from January 1 next year.

Abbado is recognized as a "conductor with dense season planning skills, mature interpretative ability, and an extensive repertoire." He received the cultural merit award 'Premio Abbiati' from the Italian Music Critics Association (ANCM).

The 8th Artistic Director of the National Symphony Orchestra, Roberto Abbado [Photo provided by the National Symphony Orchestra, (c) Yasuko Kageyama]

He has served as music director of the Munich Radio Symphony Orchestra, Parma Verdi Festival, and the Queen Sofia Arts Palace, and is actively engaged with world-renowned orchestras such as the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra, Vienna Symphony, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Dresden Staatskapelle, and the Los Angeles (LA) Philharmonic.

Abbado received the Echo Klassik German Record Award in 1997 for the Rossini opera 'Tancredi' recording and was nominated for the BBC Magazine 'Record of the Year' in 1999 for Bellini's opera 'I Capuleti e i Montecchi.' He has gained extensive experience not only with orchestras but also in opera and festival management.

Additionally, Abbado has been a pioneer in expanding the contemporary music repertoire. He has premiered works by Charles Wuorinen (87), Pascal Dusapin (70), Luca Francesconi (69), and Silvia Colasanti (50), broadening musical horizons.

Abbado collaborated with the National Symphony Orchestra on the 2023 opera 'Norma' and the orchestra’s 255th regular concert in March featuring Verdi's 'Requiem.'

The newly appointed artistic director Abbado cited pioneering spirit and flexibility as the strengths of the National Symphony Orchestra. He expressed, "The greatest strengths are the musical capabilities and the curiosity to explore new paths. I am very much looking forward to the music we will create together."