ROME (AP) — Milan’s La Scala, one of the world’s most prestigious and historic opera houses, has named Fortunato Ortombina as its new director, ending months of political controversy. He will step into the post in September at the famed Teatro alla Scala.

The city’s mayor, Giuseppe Sala, made the announcement on Tuesday after the opera house’s board of directors finalized Ortombina’s appointment.

La Scala’s new leader, currently the general manager at Venice’s opera house La Fenice, takes over from Dominque Meyer, who has been at the helm of Milan’s opera since 2020. Meyer will remain in his current position until Aug. 1, 2025, while Ortombina will act as the director-designate until fully taking over.

Ortombina’s appointment comes as Italy’s far-right government of Premier Giorgia Meloni is trying to promote Italian nationals for leadership positions, favoring them over foreigners for major cultural posts.