LONDON Sir Colin Southgate, chairman of the music giant EMI, was confirmed on Thursday as the new chairman of Britain's troubled Royal Opera House. He replaces Lord Chadlington who resigned last month after a blistering parliamentary report said any philistine with financial savvy could do the job better. The committee report accused opera bosses of disastrous misjudgements in failing to find an alternative venue during a two-year closure period while the victorian theater is rebuilt for 214 million pounds ($348.6 million).

Culture Minister Chris Smith, who is keen to see the Royal Opera House and English National Opera combine to work under the same roof, said Southgate's appointment was very good news. (Reuter)