In 2002, Pappano was named the Music Director of the Royal Opera House (ROH), Covent Garden. Pappano was the youngest conductor to lead the orchestra of the ROH, accompanying the Royal Opera and Royal Ballet. At Covent Garden, Pappano and Kasper Holten, the ROH Director of Opera, shared responsibility for production. The ROH contract has renewed Pappano's contract several times, to 2017, and to 2023. In March 2021, the ROH announced the latest extension of Pappano's contract through the 2023-2024 season, and the scheduled conclusion of Pappano's tenure at the close of the 2023-2024 season.