Upon completing his formal study, he traveled between Milan, where he was a rehearsal pianist for La Scala, and Florence, where he was a member of the chorus of the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino.

Luisotti became Stuttgart's main conductor for the Italian repertory, conducting Tosca, Turandot, Madama Butterfly and Otello in 2006.

His Stuttgart Il trovatore was met with critical acclaim,[3][4] and within weeks he was offered a debut engagement at Paris Opera.

[5][6] His work at San Francisco Opera has included conducting the premiere of Marco Tutino's La Ciociara (Two Women).

Luisotti's discography includes a complete recording of Stiffelio and Duets, featuring Anna Netrebko and Rolando Villazón on the Deutsche Grammophon label.