Daniele Rustioni has been named the Metropolitan Opera’s Principal Guest Conductor.

He will take on the position for an initial three-year term, becoming only the third Principal Guest Conductor in Met history and will begin his tenure in the 2025–26 season.

In his new position, Rustioni will conduct a minimum of two operas per season and will lead a new production of Verdi’s “Simon Boccanegra,” as well as revivals of Giordano’s “Andrea Chénier,” Mozart’s “Don Giovanni,” and Puccini’s “La Bohème.”

The announcement was made during the start of a rehearsal for Strauss’s “Die Frau ohne Schatten.”

Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin said, “I am delighted to invite Daniele to the conducting roster of the Met as Principal Guest Conductor. We have shared artistic values, which are first and foremost led by our deep love, commitment to, and respect for the music and the musicians. Having Daniele in this elevated role is good for the orchestra, good for the chorus, and good for opera.”

Rustioni added, “I am honored to be appointed as the Met’s Principal Guest Conductor and to work with Yannick, Peter [Gelb], and this legendary orchestra, chorus, and company. Every time I have conducted here, I have been inspired by the incredible Met Orchestra and Chorus, and the artists on and off stage. To be following in the footsteps of so many of the greatest artists in history, including Italian artists like Arturo Toscanini, is a highlight of my artistic life. I’m looking forward to sharing our passion and love for opera with our audiences in the coming seasons.”

General Manager Peter Gelb added, “I’m very pleased that Daniele has agreed to join us on a regular, ongoing basis. His presence will further bolster the Met’s artistic excellence.”

Rustioni made his Met debut leading Verdi’s “Aida” in 2017 and returned to lead new productions of Verdi’s “Rigoletto” and Bizet’s “Carmen” and revivals of Mozart’s “Le Nozze di Figaro” and Verdi’s “Falstaff.” He has more than 70 operas in his repertoire, having conducted in every major international opera house.