La Scala, the renowned theatre in Milan, is set to inaugurate its 2023-24 season this December with “Don Carlo,” an opera by celebrated Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi, while simultaneously intensifying its commitment to environmental sustainability.
The curtain-raising event at La Scala is a key date in Italy’s social calendar, attracting the nation’s business and political leaders. It also coincides with Milan’s Feast of St. Ambrose holiday.
The choice to perform a Russian production, “Boris Godunov,” at last year’s opening night sparked protests outside the venue due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Verdi’s operas have graced the stage at La Scala since 1839, and a locally admired composer’s decision to feature a historical piece is expected to be less contentious on December 7th.
Like many other businesses, the theatre has been grappling with soaring energy costs due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
La Scala offset these impacts last year by reducing its gas and electricity consumption by 22% and approximately 15%, respectively, according to Artistic Director Dominque Meyer. He revealed this information in a statement on Monday.
To decrease paper usage, the theatre has transitioned to digital musical scores. Moreover, energy-efficient LED lights have been installed, and plans are underway to replace the windows this fall to minimize drafts.
Meyer announced that the revenue from individual performances last year exceeded the 2019 figures by 25%. He also mentioned that international tourists comprise 30% of the theatre’s attendees.
Tickets for the premier event are priced at 250 euros ($275).
La Scala will host 14 operas and seven ballets in the forthcoming season. It will also stage concerts headlined by renowned conductors, including Italy’s Riccardo Muti, British maestro Daniel Harding, and Russia-born Kirill Petrenko. ($1 = 0.9084 euros)
In a show of resilience and artistic brilliance amid challenging times, La Scala continues serving as a cultural icon, offering a platform for timeless classics and new works. The upcoming season, with its lineup of distinguished conductors and a repertoire of acclaimed operas and ballets, underscores La Scala’s unwavering commitment to celebrating the richness of performing arts. Despite external pressures, the theatre looks forward to welcoming international and local audiences, providing memorable performances, and further solidifying its reputation as a world-class venue.
