Pappano is currently the music director of the Theatre Royal de la Monnaie opera house in Brussels and will share the artistic leadership role of the Royal Opera House with the director of the Royal Ballet Sir Anthony Dowell - also based at the Covent Garden venue.

Pappano said it was a "privilege" to succeed Haitink.

"The orchestra under his leadership has attained worldwide renown and I consider myself fortunate to inherit such a wonderful instrument.

"Of course, taking over such an important and vast organisation will be a tremendous challenge, but it is a challenge that is right for me at this time."

Pappano, 39, will be the youngest artistic director at the ROH. Haitink, who threatened to resign during the Royal Opera House's troubles earlier this year, has agreed to stay and lead the next three seasons.

Haitink said: "I am delighted about the appointment of Tony Pappano as the next music director.

"I am especially pleased about the level of the commitment which he has undertaken to give to the Royal Opera House, which is exactly what the company and orchestra will need as they go through into the next decade."