The opening night of Verdi’s La Forza del Destino at Milan’s iconic La Scala opera house on Saturday demonstrated not only musical brilliance but also a powerful message against war and societal divisions.
La Scala Superintendent Dominique Meyer emphasised the anti-war sentiment of Verdi’s opera, describing it as “an invitation for world peace.” Speaking before the premiere, Meyer noted, “There are a crazy number of wars in the world, and every time peace is found, it is a victory for humanity. But at the moment, we cannot be very optimistic.”
Protests on the Red Carpet
The event, a highlight of Milan’s social calendar, was met with demonstrations. Protesters opposed to the war in Gaza dumped manure on the red carpet, which was also adorned with photos of Italian government ministers and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The group, comprising anti-capitalist, anarchist, and pro-Palestinian activists, rallied under the slogan “popular and anti-military.” Demonstrators threw firecrackers and smoke bombs over barriers near Piazza della Scala by demonstrators who approached under cover of a banner. Police closely monitored the situation, and the march moved towards Largo Cairoli after the incident.
A Plea for Peace
Life Senator and Holocaust survivor Liliana Segre, standing in for President Sergio Mattarella, who was attending the reopening of Notre-Dame in Paris. Senate Speaker Ignazio La Russa, Italy’s second-highest public official, was also present.
Conductor Riccardo Chailly led the orchestra in Verdi’s deeply reflective work, whose message was reframed to address contemporary issues of war and systemic inequalities.
Also read: On this day in history: La Scala Opera House opens
A Night of Glamour
Despite the tensions outside, the premiere maintained its status as a glittering social occasion. The event, held annually on the feast day of Milan’s patron saint, St Ambrose, remains a celebration of Italian culture, attended by the nation’s elite and international celebrities.
