What's happened
The opening of the opera season at Teatro alla Scala in Milan featured a star-studded event with Anna Netrebko and Riccardo Chailly. Despite protests outside, the evening celebrated the cultural significance of opera in Italy, particularly with Verdi's 'La Forza del Destino' making its return after nearly sixty years.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to the New York Times, the opening night was a grand affair, with critics noting that 'opera is our religion' in Italy. The Guardian highlighted the challenges faced by lesser-known operas like Puccini's 'La Rondine,' which struggles for recognition despite its charm. The Independent reported on tenor Jagde's notable performance, emphasizing the rarity of American artists at La Scala, stating, 'It's definitely one of the things that every artist dreams about.' These perspectives illustrate the complex interplay between tradition, audience expectations, and the evolving landscape of opera.
How we got here
The annual Prima della Scala event, held on December 7, marks the start of the opera season at Milan's prestigious Teatro alla Scala. This year, the production of Verdi's 'La Forza del Destino' highlights the opera's enduring legacy in Italian culture.
More on these topics
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Anna Yuryevna Netrebko is a Russian operatic soprano
who has an active international career and performs prominently at the Salzburg Festival, Metropolitan Opera, Vienna State Opera, and Royal Opera, London.