The Staatsoper Hannover has announced the appointment of Francesco Angelico as its new General Music Director.

The conductor, born in Caltagirone, Sicily, is a regular guest at major opera houses and with prestigious orchestras worldwide, including the Bavarian State Opera in Munich, the Stuttgart State Opera, the Graz Opera, and the Théâtre du Capitole in Toulouse.

He is well-known for his German repertoire including works by Wagner, Schumann, and Brahms.

Angelico has served as General Music Director of the Hessian State Theatre Kassel and has been Chief Conductor of the Kassel State Orchestra since 2024.

In a statement Bodo Busse, Artistic Director of the Hanover State Opera said, “I am extremely pleased that we have been able to secure Francesco Angelico as General Music Director for Hanover. With his outstanding expertise in opera and concert performance, his artistic excellence, and his inspiring personality, he will enrich the Hanover State Opera in a very special way. I have found our collaboration to date to be extremely rewarding, which makes this decision all the more gratifying. The fact that we succeeded in attracting such a high-caliber artist to our company through a carefully planned, timely, and transparent selection process fills me with great pride.”

Falko Mohrs, Lower Saxony’s Minister for Science and Culture added, “With Francesco Angelico, we are gaining an outstanding artistic personality for the State Opera, one who impresses with his vast experience, musical sensitivity, and international renown. He conducts with a unique blend of dramatic clarity and sonic elegance. I am extremely pleased to welcome him as the new General Music Director in Hanover and congratulate him most sincerely on his new position.”