One of the most magnificent opera houses in Italy, La Scala accommodates La Scala Theatre Chorus, La Scala Theatre Ballet and La Scala Theatre Orchestra. 3 August 1778, is the day it was inaugurated with the premier performance of Antonio Salieri’s Europa riconosciuta. Most of the renowned operatic artists of Italy, as well as some of the finest singers of the world have at some point or the other performed here.
Besides the music, the architecture is breathtaking. The previous theatre, the Teatro Regio Ducale was destroyed by a fire and the La Scala was constructed in its place. Over a period of two years the theatre was completed by Pietro Marliani, Pietro Nosetti and Antonio and Giuseppe Fe. It has one of the largest stages in the whole of Italy and over 3,000 seats organized into 678 pit-stalls.
Recently the opera house was renovated by renowned architect Mario Botta. The new changes were not welcomed by the preservationists. They have however, improved the Opera’s quality threefold. Monitors for the electronic libretto system have been included in the seats that allow the audience to choose the language which they prefer. The entire sound system has been updated and the stage has been reconstructed as well.
7 December, Saint Ambrose’s Day, is when the La Scala season begins. Besides the performances, La Scala also features a museum called The Museo Teatrale alla Scala which displays paintings, drafts, statues, costumes, and other documents regarding La Scala’s and opera history in general. Accademia d’Arti e Mestieri dello Spettacolo or the Academy of Performing Arts is also organised by La Scala with the objective of encouraging new musicians with blossoming talents. The La Scala Theatre Academy is a school assosciated with La Scala and offeres trainging in the various arts of musical performances, which also includes stage craft and stage management.
