Italian conductor Valentina Peleggi studied with Gelmetti and Campanella in Rome and Siena, and later at the Royal Academy in London, winning the top prizes at each institution. She then became Resident Conductor of the São Paulo Symphony Orchestra under Marin Alsop and Principal Conductor of their professional chorus, also Guest Artistic Director of the Theatro Sao Pedro, responsible for Italian opera.  In 2019 she joined English National Opera for 2 seasons as a Mackerras Fellow, conducting Carmen, Boheme, Orpheus in the Underworld and Dido and Aeneas.  She returns as a guest in 2021, when she also debuts at Garsington Opera. Symphonic guesting in 19/20 includes Royal Philharmoinc, BBC Scottish Symphony, Residentie Orkest, Richmond Symphony, Bournemouth Symphony and Orchestra Regionale della Toscana.