‘Misguided wokeism’ puts people off opera, says top London conductor

Antonio Pappano said it ‘drives me nuts’ that opera is looked on with great suspicion in the UK. Photograph: Doug Peters/PA Media Assignments/PA

The conductor and musical director of the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO) has criticised the “misguided wokeism” behind what he called a “great suspicion” of opera and British cultural achievements.

Antonio Pappano, 64, has been the musical director of the Royal Opera House for more than two decades. He becomes the LSO’s chief conductor in September, having spent a year as chief conductor designate after Simon Rattle stepped down.