Alessandro Bonato Appointed Chief Conductor of the Haydn Orchestra

The Haydn Foundation of Bolzano and Trento has announced the appointment of Alessandro Bonato as Chief Conductor of the Haydn Orchestra for the 2025–2028 seasons. Beginning in October 2025, the conductor from Verona will join the Orchestra’s leadership team, which also includes Music Director Ottavio Dantone and Principal Guest Conductor Thomas Dausgaard.

The Haydn Foundation of Bolzano and Trento has announced the appointment of Alessandro Bonato as Chief Conductor of the Haydn Orchestra for the 2025–2028 seasons. Beginning in October 2025, the conductor from Verona will join the Orchestra’s leadership team, which also includes Music Director Ottavio Dantone and Principal Guest Conductor Thomas Dausgaard.

Bonato’s collaboration with the Haydn Foundation began two years ago and has included several successful projects, such as the audience-acclaimed New Year’s concerts tour. His appointment comes just days before his debut conducting Rossini’s The Barber of Seville at the Teatro Sociale in Trento on January 31 and February 2. In his role as Chief Conductor, Bonato will contribute to both the symphonic and operatic programming and will work closely with Artistic Director Giorgio Battistelli and the Orchestra to further its artistic vision and enhance its profile on a national and international level.

“The appointment of Alessandro Bonato reflects the Foundation’s commitment to fostering emerging artistic talents from Italy and Europe,” says Giorgio Battistelli, Artistic Director of the Haydn Foundation. “Bonato is part of a new generation of conductors who possess a distinctive artistic sensibility, rooted in the classical repertoire, yet open to exploring the challenges of 20th-century and contemporary music.”

Paul Gasser, President of the Haydn Foundation, adds: “In recent years, the Foundation’s approach to programming has strived to combine a diverse repertoire with rarely performed works. This has been supported by collaborations with outstanding conductors such as Ottavio Dantone, Michele Mariotti, Kent Nagano, and Thomas Dausgaard. Alessandro Bonato’s artistic depth and professionalism complements and strengthens this team.”

Alessandro Bonato himself expressed his enthusiasm: “From my very first collaboration with the Haydn Orchestra, I felt a strong connection with its musicians. There is a rare sense of trust and artistic synergy within this Orchestra that creates an inspiring environment for an artistic partnership . I am excited about this new chapter and look forward to the journey ahead.”