Ranking among today's leading conductors, Carlo Rizzi's vast repertoire ranges from the foundation works of the operatic and symphonic canon to rarities by Bellini, Cimarosa and Donizetti. He is in high demand as a guest artist at the world's most prestigious venues and festivals, not least for the insight and integrity of his musicianship and the visceral energy and psychological depths of his interpretations.

Although equally at home in the concert hall as on the operatic stage, the following year sees Rizzi take up the baton to conduct operas by his Italian compatriots - Verdi, Puccini, Bellini and Donizetti - on a number of occasions: Rigoletto with Dutch National Opera, Norma and Turandot at the Metropolitan Opera, La forza del destino and Tosca at Welsh National Opera, Madama Butterfly at Deutsche Oper Berlin, plus a recording and concert of rare bel canto masterpieces. His expertise in the form is due in no small way to his attention to the text as well as the music.