Sir Antonio Pappano named Honorary Member of the Chamber Orchestra of Europe

The Chamber Orchestra of Europe (COE) has announced that Sir Antonio Pappano has joined its roster of Honorary Members, a distinction shared with Yannick Nézet-Séguin, Sir Simon Rattle, Sir András Schiff, and Robin Ticciati. The appointment recognises Pappano’s long-standing collaboration and artistic partnership with the ensemble, which spans nearly a decade.

Pappano, currently Chief Conductor of the London Symphony Orchestra and former Music Director of the Royal Opera House, has worked with the COE since 2016. Together, they have toured more than 30 European cities, performing with artists such as François Leleux, Lisa Batiashvili, Janine Jansen, Veronika Eberle, Beatrice Rana, and Bertrand Chamayou.

In his statement, Pappano expressed his appreciation for the orchestra’s distinctive spirit:

“To be made an honorary member of the Chamber Orchestra of Europe, an ensemble I hold in the highest possible esteem, makes me so very happy and proud. That I will continue to collaborate in the future with these fabulous musicians is a rare gift. Thank you COE!”

Founded in 1981 by former members of the European Community Youth Orchestra, the London-based COE brings together around 60 musicians from across the continent who maintain parallel careers as soloists, chamber players, and educators. The orchestra has no resident conductor and is known for its collaborations with leading artists including Claudio Abbado, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Bernard Haitink, Maria João Pires, and Thomas Adès.

The ensemble, supported by the Gatsby Charitable Foundation and the Underwood Trust, performs regularly at major European venues such as the Lucerne Festival, Philharmonie de Paris, Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, and the Kölner Philharmonie. Its more than 250 recordings have earned multiple Gramophone Awards and Grammys, cementing its reputation as one of Europe’s foremost chamber orchestras.

With Pappano’s addition, the COE continues a tradition of honouring musicians who have shaped its artistic identity and contributed to its international success.