Paolo Petrocelli is set to become the Head of the Dubai Opera House in the United Arab Emirates.

Petrocelli will step down from his position as Director General of the Stauffer Center for Strings. Petrocelli was selected by Friends of Europe as one of the 40 most influential young personalities in Europe and was nominated as European Young Leader. He received a similar honor from Fortune Magazine in Italy. He is also the Founder of EMMA for Peace and has been Assistant to the Superintendent for international development and external relations of the Rome Opera House and Advisor for International Development and Special Projects at the Royal Opera House Muscat in Oman.

In an official press statement, Petrocelli said, ““I am particularly grateful to the President and the Board of Directors of the Stauffer Foundation and to all Faculty members of the Stauffer Academy for the trust and support they have never failed to give me over the last years. I thank all of them for having believed in an ambitious idea of ​​growth and change and having supported a new artistic vision, based on the principles of excellence, innovation and global connections.

“I am fully aware that I had an extraordinary opportunity: being able to contribute to the growth of one of the most prestigious and iconic Italian music institutions in the world. My sincere thanks go to my group of collaborators who, with commitment and passion, have helped me to achieve very ambitious goals,” he continued.  “Thanks to all the students of the Academy, who with their enthusiasm and talent have been a continuous source of inspiration for me. Finally, thanks to the citizens of Cremona, who have welcomed me with sincere friendship and cordiality since my arrival in the city. This experience has left a deep mark, personally and professionally. I am now looking forward with great enthusiasm and motivation to my next professional chapter, leading such an iconic artistic organization in Dubai. Goodbye, Cremona!”