Rome says Maestro Muti agrees to lead city’s opera house

Rome says Muti to lead its opera house

ROME — Rome says maestro Riccardo Muti has agreed to lead the city’s opera house, pending final approval of details.

City Hall says Muti would continue to be the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s music director while assuming the helm in Rome starting in December 2010.

The city of Rome’s press office said in a statement Wednesday that Mayor Gianni Alemanno met with Muti in Austria to discuss the arrangement.

Rome’s opera scene is overshadowed by La Scala in Milan, but Alemanno says he wants to raise Rome’s profile.

Muti last year signed on to be Chicago Symphony conductor for five years starting in 2010-2011.