La Scala's board of directors has chosen Lissner to replace Mauro Meli, whose appointment, after former superintendent Carlo Fontana was fired, set off a string of crises at the opera house, including a musicians' strike for every performance premiere. These events culminated in the resignation earlier this month of music director Riccardo Muti, who musicians felt held too much control over La Scala operations, and had pushed to have Fonatana replaced with Meli.

Even after Muti's resignation, the musicians and workers at La Scala said they would not negotiate until Meli resigned. Early in April, Meli said he would step down if that were the only solution to the opera house's troubles.

Lissner, currently director of the Aix-en-Provence opera festival, will take over next month. "After maestro Muti quit, my priority will be the music," Lissner said. "We must reflect on next season."