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

Antonio Pappano said many in UK were ‘embarrassed’ by art form and suspicious of cultural achievements

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.

Sir 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 Sir Simon Rattle stepped down.