Conductor Riccardo Muti is set to assume the lead role at Rome's Opera Theater from December 2010, it has been revealed.

Mr Muti has agreed to lead the capital's classical performance house to support the city in its efforts to raise its musical profile, reports the Associated Press.

According to the news agency, Rome mayor Gianni Alemanno made the announcement on state TV earlier this week.

He said: "We in Rome want excellence and in the case of lyric opera, we've succeeded. Muti's with us."

The Naples born conductor began his career as a pianist studying at the Conservatory of San Pietro a Majella and was awarded a diploma in Composition and Conducting.

He first garnered the attention of critics in 1967, when he was awarded first place by the prestigious Guido Cantelli competition in Milan.

Mr Muti was the music director of Milan's famed Teatro all Scala between 1986 and 2005.

His work in Rome will coincide with his five-year contract as music director of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra from September of the 2010-11 season.

Looking for the latest classical music jobs? Click here!