In addition to his administrative duties, Lano will conduct several operas this season, and lead the Orquesta Estable del Teatro Col‹n.

Lano, who is American and has a reputation as a specialist in contemporary music, has worked previously with Teatro Col‹n. In 1993 he conducted the first complete South American production of Berg's Lulu at the opera house, and he has also conducted Ginastera's Bomarzo, Berg's Wozzeck, and Stravinsky's The Rake's Progress there.

Lano is also a composer; his conducting credits include the world premiere of Richard Danielpour and Toni Morrision's Margaret Garner at Michigan Opera Theater this yeark. He has conducted at the Vienna State Opera and the Pittsburgh Symphony.

Teatro Col‹n is working to get out from under the shadow of scandal and corruption that led to Capobianco's departure, according to Musical America. The theater will close in 2006 for renovations, and will open in time for its centennial season in 2008.