Diego Matheuz Takes Principal-Conductor Post in Palermo

Diego Matheuz has been appointed principal conductor of Palermo’s Teatro Massimo, bringing experience in Italian opera and international symphonic work to the Sicilian theatre.

The Venezuelan conductor, 42, developed through El Sistema and previously served as principal conductor of La Fenice in Venice. His return to a senior Italian theatre position follows engagements across both operatic and concert platforms, rather than a career confined to one repertoire.

Matheuz is already familiar with Palermo’s musicians. His recent work at the theatre included a July 2026 programme pairing music from Falla’s The Three-Cornered Hat with Massenet’s La Navarraise. The appointment therefore extends a working relationship with the house.

Looking ahead, he is listed for Teatro Massimo’s New Year concert on 1 January 2027. The theatre’s published season also assigns him Mozart’s The Magic Flute in September 2027, offering an early indication of the mix of concert and opera responsibilities ahead.

His wider schedule includes appearances outside Italy, including Los Angeles Opera’s Turandot in spring 2027. His biography also encompasses work with the Seiji Ozawa Music Academy in Tokyo, the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra and other international ensembles.

Education remains another part of his activity. Since 2019, he has co-directed the MACH project with violinist Francesco Senese, offering free advanced training to young musicians. That strand connects his own background in collective musical education with work supporting a younger generation.

The appointment announcement does not establish a contract duration in the information available. What is already visible is a conductor with previous Italian institutional experience, recent collaboration in Palermo and named future engagements at the theatre. Those projects will provide the first practical measures of his role as principal conductor.