Pittsburgh Opera has announced that Music Director Antony Walker has signed a five-year contract extension with the company.

The extension will keep Walker on Pittsburgh Opera’s podium through June 2029.

Walker first conducted for Pittsburgh Opera in the company’s 2004 production of “Il Ritorno d’Ulisse in Patria” and has since conducted over 250 Pittsburgh Opera performances spanning more than 50 operas.

Pittsburgh Opera Board Chair Michele Fabrizi said, “Antony is one of the very best in the business. His virtuosity has taken our orchestra to new heights; he is a key part of why Pittsburgh Opera continues to be one of the most respected opera companies in the country. We are delighted to have Antony with us for at least five more years.”

Walker said, “Being Pittsburgh Opera’s Music Director is a great honor. Our orchestra, chorus, Resident Artist program and Music Staff are among the finest anywhere. In addition, we have a first-class rehearsal and administrative facilty in the Bitz Opera Factory, and the Benedum Center is a superb venue for our MainStage productions. I am proud of all we’ve accomplished, have great affection for our community, and am excited for the next five seasons.”

In the coming season, Walker will conduct “Tosca,” “Cavalleria Rusticana/Pagliacci,” and “Madama Butterfly,” Haydn’s “Armida,” and Jennifer Higdon’s “Woman With Eyes Closed.”

Walker also serves as Artistic Director of Washington Concert Opera in Washington D.C., and Conductor Emeritus of Pinchgut Opera in Australia. Throughout his career he has conducted at the Metropolitan Opera, Opera Australia, English National Opera, Welsh National Opera, Canadian Opera Company, Santa Fe Opera, New York City Opera, and Teatro Comunale Bologna, among others.