On 3rd August 1778, Milan’s iconic Teatro alla Scala, commonly known as La Scala, opened its doors for the first time. This illustrious opera house, located in the heart of Milan, has since become synonymous with world-class opera and ballet performances.
La Scala’s story began with the destruction of the Teatro Regio Ducale, Milan’s former opera venue, in a fire. In response, a group of 90 affluent patrons, who owned private boxes at the old theatre, petitioned Archduke Ferdinand of Austria-Este to build a new one. The new theatre was constructed on the site of the deconsecrated Church of Santa Maria alla Scala, from which it derived its name.
The theatre’s design, crafted by the neoclassical architect Giuseppe Piermarini, was revolutionary for its time. At its grand opening, Antonio Salieri’s opera L’Europa Riconosciuta premiered, marking the beginning of La Scala’s illustrious history.
Initially, the main floor was devoid of seating, allowing patrons to stand and socialise, which made the theatre not only a cultural hub but also a place for business dealings. However, this occasionally led to complaints from opera enthusiasts about the noise.
Safety was a significant concern in the early days, with oil lamps used for illumination. Aware of the fire risk, theatre managers kept hundreds of water buckets ready in adjacent rooms.
Legendary performances at La Scala
Over the past two centuries, La Scala has seen performances by the world’s finest singers and has premiered works by legendary composers such as Rossini, Donizetti, Verdi, and Puccini.
The original 18th-century structure underwent a renovation in 1907. After sustaining damage during World War II, the theatre was rebuilt. It reopened in 1946 with a concert conducted by Arturo Toscanini, featuring soprano Renata Tebaldi.
La Scala remains a pinnacle of operatic excellence, continuing to captivate audiences with its rich history and unparalleled performances.
Italian opera singing is UNESCO intangible heritage asset
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