Inconspicuous beauty: La Scala opera house in Milan. La Scala Opera House, Milan: description, repertoire, reviews Location, opening hours and cost

The La Scala Theater in Milan is considered one of the most famous in the world; it is rightly called the pride and operatic pearl of Italy. Thousands of tourists every year strive to visit La Scala and see the performances of opera and ballet stars.

The name of the theater is associated with the ancient Milanese church that was located on this site several centuries ago - Santa Maria della Scala. The theater got its name in honor of her. Although many people think that “scala” is translated from Italian as “stairs”, so the name somehow correlates with this word.

The theater, of course, deserves a lot of attention not only as the greatest object of culture and art - from the point of view of its history it is also quite interesting.

General view of La Scala theater on Google panorama

Tickets to La Scala theater in Milan

Tickets for an opera, ballet, or symphony orchestra concert cost on average from 30 to 400 euros. The price, of course, depends on the seat you choose: the cheapest tickets are in the so-called “blind zone” of the amphitheater, which is located at a considerable distance from the stage (last rows); tickets to the stalls are more expensive, but the spectator sitting in front can also block your view; the most popular and expensive tickets are in the central boxes: they offer an excellent view of the stage.

A 25 percent discount is provided for any performance on any day to teenagers under 18 years of age, students under 26 years of age, and pensioners over 65 years of age. At the theater you need to present not only a ticket, but also a document that allows you to reserve a seat at a reduced price.

Tickets can be purchased at the theater box office at the entrance, or you can buy them online through the official La Scala website. Each ticket is personalized, so before purchasing you will have to fill out a short form indicating your details. For this reason, it will not be possible to resell the ticket.

Tickets to the La Scala Theater Museum

You can also purchase tickets to the La Scala Museum and a tour of the theater and its workshop. A ticket to the museum for an adult will cost 9 euros, for a group of 15 people - 6 euros for each (schoolchildren over 12 years old and pensioners over 65 years old can purchase tickets at the same price); Schoolchildren under 12 years of age, disabled people, and guides will be admitted free of charge.

It is possible to avoid standing in a long line at the ticket office and book tickets for a group of tourists or schoolchildren on the website.

For a fee (3 euros per person), you can rent virtual reality glasses and use them to imagine yourself as a world-famous singer or dancer performing on the legendary stage of La Scala.

Theater tours

As for theater tours, the prices are as follows: standard guided tour (45 minutes) for a group of maximum 20 people - 25 euros per person; a more complete and detailed tour (approximately 60 minutes) for a group of maximum 20 people - 50 euros per person. For those who want to book an exclusive tour (duration - 90 minutes), a ticket will cost 500 euros for a group of 1 to 5 people and 1000 euros for a group of 5 to 10 people. You will be shown around the theater and will also have access to the museum. Excursions are conducted during times when there are no performances or rehearsals. The guides speak English, Italian and French. You can also go to the theater with an organized tourist group with a Russian-speaking guide (this service is not available on the theater’s website; for this you will need to contact a travel agency or ask for help from a Russian-speaking guide).

Tickets to the Ansaldo workshop for adults - 25 euros; for a group from 4 to 20 people - 15 euros per person; excursion for a group of schoolchildren (maximum 25 people) in Italian - 100 euros, in other languages ​​- 130 euros. Free ticket for people with disabilities. You must book tickets for a tour of the workshop in advance on the website (2 days before your visit).

Taxi

Uber services are available in Milan, so you can call a taxi anywhere in the city through the mobile application.

La Scala Theater on video

La Scala (Milan, Italy) - repertoire, ticket prices, address, phone numbers, official website.

• Tours for May to Italy
• Last minute tours to Italy

Previous photo Next photo

The most famous opera house in the world is located in Italy, and its name is La Scala. For three centuries now, it has been a meeting place for the Milanese aristocracy; all true connoisseurs of opera and simply connoisseurs of beauty dream of coming here.

Interiors

Everything here is thoroughly imbued with luxury and grandeur - chairs upholstered in velvet, walls lavishly decorated with stucco and covered with gilding, mirrors that reflect the brightly lit stage, incredibly expensive costumes of the artists. Naturally, the audience at La Scala is special, including the most distinguished Italian families, world celebrities, businessmen and politicians, as well as all those who love art so much that they will not regret paying from 20 to 200 EUR for an entrance ticket.

Dress code

The spectators themselves create a special solemn atmosphere - the fact is that a dress code is observed here (of course, your outfit can be casual, no one will chase you away, but don’t expect any approving glances). In general, men come in chic suits, ladies wear floor-length dresses, throwing expensive furs over their shoulders and complementing the look with diamonds.

Architecture

But all this splendor is hidden behind a completely ordinary and even inconspicuous facade. It’s just that when Gioseppe Piermarine was building a new theater in the place where the old church of Santa Maria della Scala had once been located, he decided not to waste time and money on external decoration, because the building was closely surrounded by residential buildings. In addition, he was hurried by the Milanese aristocracy, with whose money the construction was carried out, because the former city theater burned down, and the public constantly demanded spectacles.

In general, it is surprising how such a grandiose building was built in just two years; the first production of La Scala took place in August 1778, with Salieri’s opera “Europe Recognized.”

After the first performance, one of the most important advantages of the theater was noted - its unsurpassed acoustics; from anywhere in the hall you can hear singing and music in the finest nuances. And some argue that it is best to listen to opera from the very top tiers, where the sound seems to be as perfect as possible.

Parterre, box, seats

The most prestigious places are considered to be the boxes; aristocratic Milanese families rent them for the entire season (from December 7 until the summer). At the same time, if you decide to buy a ticket to the box, it is worth remembering that the stage is visible only from the first two seats (there are five in total in the box). No less expensive are the places in the so-called T-zone of the stalls. On the opening day of the season, there are simply no tickets cheaper than 200 EUR, but on ordinary days you can get into the gallery for 20 EUR; you can buy tickets at the theater box office and in the metro near it.

Prices on the page are for December 2019.

Many of you are familiar with one of the main attractions of Milan - the legendary Milan's La Scala theater, which has been for many years symbol of Italian opera.

Here are some interesting points about the main opera house:

1. Where did La Scala get its name?

La Scala means “stairs” in Italian, however, the name of the theater has nothing to do with this word.
The theater was founded designed by the architect Giuseppe Piermarini in 1776-1778. on the site of the Church of Santa Maria della Scala, hence the name of the theater itself. And the church, in turn, received its name in 1381. from the patroness of the family of rulers of Verona named Scala(Scaliger) - Beatrice della Scala (Regina della Scala).
The first opening of the theater took place on August 3, 1778 with the production of Antonio Salieri's opera “Europe Recognized.”

2. This is interesting:

The history of the theater is very interesting. It's interesting that when excavating a site for the construction of a theater A large block of marble was found on which was depicted Pylades, the famous mime of Ancient Rome. This was perceived as good sign.

3. Are you sure that in the 800s the theater was only a place for performances?

Surely, if you ask a question, what was the La Scala audience like in the 800s?, you will immediately begin to imagine cultured spectators who arrive at the performance strictly on schedule and, sitting in a chair, waving their fan and preparing to watch the performance. If so, then you are far from the truth. Can you imagine that Here they played games of chance, held balls and feasts. Yes, the audience arrived long before the start of the performance, in the afternoon they played cards on stage with friends, then it was time for dinner, when delicious treats were served until the start of the performance. And even after it ended, people were in no hurry to leave, but continued playing roulette in the foyer. And we thought that we only watched performances here.

4. Giuseppe Verdi beard

The theater museum houses some Giuseppe Verdi items, which were in him at the time of death, as well as a piece of his beard. Thanks to this little relic DNA analysis was able to establish the authenticity of his letters written by him personally.

5. The famous Barbaja drink

In 1859, opposite the famous opera house, an equally popular cafe Caffe’ dei Virtuosi. The impresario worked here Barbaja - philanthropist composer Bellini. He became famous creating a delicious chocolate drink, combining coffee, cream and chocolate. Today this drink is known as coffee Moroccan. Very quickly the drink turned into a favorite delicacy of Milanese high society.
You can try a real Barbajada at

"La Scala" (Italian) Teatro alla Scala or La Scala) is a world center of opera culture. This theater has a brilliant history. The theater building was built in 1776-1778 on the site of the Church of Santa Maria della Scala, from where the theater got its name “La Scala” - the opera house in Milan. It is curious that during the excavation of the site for the construction of the theater, a large block of marble was found, on which Pylades, the famous mime of Ancient Rome, was depicted. This was taken as a good sign.

The theater building, built by the architect G. Piermarini, was one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. It is designed in a strict neoclassical style and has impeccable acoustics. The artistic decoration of the auditorium was combined with a convenient arrangement of seats in it and met all the strictest optical requirements. The theater building was 100 meters long and 38 meters wide. In the middle of the façade stood a portal for the entry of carriages with ladies and their gentlemen.

The hall was shaped like a horseshoe. It had five tiers of boxes and a gallery. There were only 194 boxes (also a royal box). Each box accommodated 8 to 10 people. All the boxes were connected by a corridor. This was followed by a second row of boxes, which contained tables for playing cards and selling drinks. The theater stage was quite small. Initially there were no chairs in the stalls - they were replaced by folding and mobile chairs.

The lighting was quite poor. Candles were lit in the boxes, and those who sat in the stalls did not risk taking off their hats and other headdresses, since molten wax was dripping on them. There was no heating in the theater. But the theater hall was wonderful - made in white, silver and gold colors. Everything took place in this wonderful hall - from balls to gambling and bullfights. The theater building cost Milan about 1 million lire at that time. The expenses were distributed among the 90 aristocrats of the city. The theater building has been restored more than once. During the Second World War it was destroyed and restored to its original form by engineer L. Secchi. La Scala Theater reopened in 1946.

“Scala” (as the Italians call the theater) opened in August 1778 with two operas, including A. Salieri’s opera “Recognized Europe”, specially written for this occasion. They were followed by two ballets. Milanese quickly fell in love with their theater. Both ordinary people and aristocrats crowded at the doors of the theater, wanting to get into it. But, of course, not everyone wanted to go to the theater to listen to opera. A significant part of the public spent time in the corridors, drinking and snacking.

Until the end of the 18th century, dramatic performances were also staged on the theater stage. Popular at that time puppet theater troupes and dramatic ones performed there, but opera seasons, which had the names “carnival”, “autumn”, “spring”, “summer”, immediately became regular. During the “carnival season” opera seria and ballets were staged, the rest of the time mainly opera buffa.

At the end of the 18th - beginning of the 19th centuries, operas by Italian composers P. Anfossi, P. Guglielmi, D. Cimarosa, L. Cherudini, G. Paisiello, S. Mayra appeared in the theater's repertoire. In 1812, the premiere of G. Rossini’s opera “Touchstone” took place on the stage of the theater. She marked the beginning of the so-called Rossini period. La Scala Theater was the first to stage his operas “Aurellano in Palmyra” (1813), “The Turk in Italy” (1814), “The Thieving Magpie” (1817), etc. At the same time, the theater staged Rossini’s well-known operas. On its stage, the operas of J. Meyerbeer “Margarita of Anjou” (1820), “Exile from Grenada” (1822), as well as the most significant works of S. Mercadante were staged for the first time.

Since the 30s of the 19th century, the history of La Scala has been connected with the work of the greatest composers of Italy - G. Donizetti, V. Bellini, G. Verdi, G. Puccini, whose works were staged here for the first time: “The Pirate” (1827) and "Norma" (1831) Bellini, "Lucrezia Borgia" (1833) Donizetti, "Oberto" (1839), "Nebuchadnezzar" (1842), "Othello" (1887) and "Falstaff" (1893) Verdi, "Madama Butterfly" (1904) and Puccini's Turandot.

Verdi, for example, was not too fond of this theater at first. In one of his letters, he told Countess Maffei: “How many times have I heard people in Milan say: “Scala” is the best theater in the world. In Naples: San Carlo is the best theater in the world. In the past, even in Venice, they said that “Fenice” is the best theater in the world... And in Paris the opera is the best in two, or even three worlds...” A great composer would prefer a theater “that is not so good " Nevertheless, in 1839 Verdi made a successful debut at Scala. But he was dissatisfied with the way his Joan of Arc was staged, considered the production a “disgrace,” broke his contract with the theater, slammed the door and left.

But still, this theater is the cherished goal of musicians all over the world. Always. At all times. The place of a singer or conductor at La Scala is an almighty calling card. With her he will always and everywhere be accepted. The public also purposefully flocks to this theater. Wealthy tourists from Europe, America and Japan always demand from travel agencies the opportunity to spend an evening at this famous theater.

At the beginning of the 19th century, “stars” were born at Scala; composers wrote operas especially for it. Music magazines are being created around the theater, and cafes are opening for singing lovers. Ballerinas and singers become the favorites of the city. Foreigners are beginning to show interest in the theater. Thus, the famous Englishman Byron and the no less famous Frenchman Stendhal spend every evening, while in Milan, at La Scala and inform connoisseurs of their countries about new performances.

It's time for the soprano. Capricious and beautiful lady singers are ousting castrati from the stage. Verdi returns to the theater again. Now he is already in love with him. The maestro directs productions of his operas.

In 1887, for the first time, a twenty-year-old genius, Arturo Toscanini, took over the conductor's stand at La Scala. On his finger was a gold ring, given in Brazil for the performance of “Aida.” On this day, he was forced to replace the theater conductor, who was booed by the public. He was literally brought from the hotel straight to the stage. His conducting debut at Scala was a triumph.

Toscanini loved Wagner passionately, but came to Milan and the theater in order to meet Verdi. Toscanini was short in stature and intolerant. He was adored and hated everywhere, but he was invited everywhere. He always carried out an endless number of rehearsals, completely oblivious to other people's fatigue. In 1898, Toscanini became chief conductor of the Scala Theatre. For a whole month he rehearsed Wagner - in Milan this was perceived as a challenge to the national opera. But he proved with this performance that Scala can do anything, that Scala is a magnificent theater.

Toscanini imposes iron discipline in the theater: both on stage and in the hall. For example, he demanded that the ladies leave their hats in the wardrobe so as not to obscure the stage for others. He also canceled the performance of ballets before the opera performance. He demanded that the curtain in the theater not rise up, but open to the sides (as in Bayreuth, in Wagner). For if he rises up, then the audience sees first the performers’ legs, and then their heads, which Toscanini categorically did not like.

It is thanks to this iron man that The Rock turns into the best musical theater in the world. Toscanini led it for a very long time - an uncommon and enviable longevity! But at the beginning of the 30s of the new century, the conductor could no longer remain in Italy due to clashes with the National Socialists. Toscanini refuses to perform their anthem before the performance. He was simply hiding behind the scenes. In 1931 he left for America. And 12 years later (in 1943) he learns that the “Rock” was destroyed by bombs.

But the troupe continued to give performances at different venues. The war for Italy ended on April 25, 1945. On this day, Mozart's sunny Don Giovanni was performed on the theater stage. Toscanini always followed the fate of La Scala. He donates 1 million liras to restore the theater. The mayor of Milan gives him a telegram in which he says: “You must conduct the opening of Scala, we are now restoring it.” In April 1946, Toscanini returned to Milan to the restored theater. His first concert remained unforgettable for everyone.

In the second half of the 19th and 20th centuries, the basis of the theater's repertoire continues to be the works of Italian composers - Boito, Ponchielli, Catalani, Giordano, Cilea, Alfano, Pizzetti, Casella, etc. Works of world classics are increasingly staged on the stage of the La Scala Theater and operas by contemporary composers. Among them: “Parsifal” and “Das Rheingold” by Wagner, “The Queen of Spades” by Tchaikovsky, “Pelléas et Mélisande” by Debussy, “Boris Godunov” and “Khovanshchina” by Mussorgsky, “The Love for Three Oranges” by Prokofiev and “Katerina Izmailova” by Shostakovich and a lot others.

Outstanding Italian and foreign performers have performed at La Scala. In the 20th century, these were E. Caruso, T. Ruffo, de Luca, T. Skipa, B. Gigli, G. Benzanzoni, M. Caniglia, M. Del Monaco, M. Callas, R. Tebaldi, B. Hristov, F Corelli, F. Shalyapin, L. Sobinov.

A new era in the theater's activities is associated with the names of Tebaldi and Callas - the main prima donnas and main rivals in Scala. Many actors hate Callas, but directors adore her. The great director Zeffirelli remained her friend until the singer’s death. Visconti gave her the opportunity to earn the title of “divine” with his production of La Traviata. It was 1955. Callas was magnificent and amazing. For the whole world, this singer has become the personification of “The Rock”.

In this theater, Callas never missed a single performance, whereas at the Rome Opera, for example, she might not show up for a performance, citing “a bad mood.” Her regular partner is Di Stefano, also a great singer, like his rival Del Monaco. The rivalry between Callas and Tebaldi has reached the point where clubs of adherents of one or another singer appear in the city. Supporters of these clubs often had to be separated by the police. Tebaldi could not stand this struggle and left for America. She never returned to Scala.

The theater still hosts operas representing world classics, and the best artists from different countries perform. The first Soviet singer to perform at La Scala was T. Milashkina. V. Noreika, I. Arkhipova, M. Reshetin, V. Atlantov, E. Obraztsova, M. Gulegina and others also took part in the theater’s performances. In general, the interest in opera singers is quite significant. L. Pavarotti, who gave a concert at the Sports Palace in Bologna in 1984, proved that an opera artist can have no fewer fans than famous football players.

The theater periodically goes on tour to Austria, Germany, Great Britain, Belgium, and Canada. In the fall of 1964, exchange tours of La Scala in Moscow and the Bolshoi Theater in Milan took place. In 1974, La Scala again toured Russia, in Moscow. One of the brightest periods in the life of the theater was associated with the name of Paolo Grassi, who became the director of the theater in 1974. It was he who showed the theater to the whole world, organizing large-scale tours. It was he who attracted talented artists and musicians to the theater.

In 1982, the Philharmonic Orchestra was created at Scala. Its first director is Claudio Abbado, a world-class musician. Orchestra concerts are always holidays for listeners. Since 1986, the theater has been headed by the outstanding conductor Riccardo Muti. Major conductors Karajan, Zawallisch, Cluytens, and Böhm toured the theater.

In 1955, with the play “The Secret Marriage” by Cimarosa, a branch of La Scala, Piccola Scala, was opened. On a small stage with 500 seats, works by composers of the 17th-18th and early 19th centuries, operas intended for small ensembles (chamber orchestra, choir and soloists), as well as works by young authors are staged.

On December 7, 2001, La Scala opened its season for the last time with Verdi's Otello. The theater was closed for reconstruction, which took three years (the last reconstruction was after the war). On the outskirts of Milan, in the Bicocca district, in the ultra-modern building of the Teatro degli Arcimboldi, on January 19, 2002, the premiere following Otello took place: La Traviata.

In the first months of 2002, construction began on a new stage and work to renovate the auditorium, offices, and warehouses. The project coordinator is Swiss architect Mario Botta. He had to build a new stage structure, outside the historic eighteenth-century building. The next opening of the season took place in the old building on December 7, 2004 with Antonio Salieri's opera “Europe Recognized”.

La Scala (La Scala, full name - Teatro alla Scala) is an opera house in Milan, one of the largest centers of world opera culture. Opened on August 3, 1778, with A. Salieri’s opera “Recognized Europe,” specially written for this occasion. The building was built in 1776-78 on the site of the Church of Santa Maria della Scala, from where the theater received its name. A strict, neoclassical-style theater. the building with impeccable acoustics (architect G. Piermarini) was one of the most beautiful in the world. Repeatedly restored During the 2nd World War 1939-45 it was destroyed and restored to its original form by engineer. L. Secchi and reopened in 1946.

Until the end 18th century Dramas were also staged on the stage of La Scala. performances were performed by T-ra puppet troupes, popular at that time, etc., but opera seasons (“carnival”, “autumn”, “spring”, “summer”) immediately became regular; During the “carnival” season, opera seria and ballets were staged; the rest of the time, ch. arr. - opera buffa. In con. 18 - beginning 19th centuries in the La Scala repertoire - production. Italian composers P. Anfossi, P. Guglielmi, D. Cimarosa, L. Cherubini, G. Paisiello, N. A. Zingarelli, S. Maira. In 1812, the premiere of G. Rossini’s opera “Touchstone” took place on the stage of the theater, marking the beginning of the so-called. Rossini period: La Scala was the first post. his operas “Aurellano in Palmyra” (1813), “The Turk in Italy” (1814), “The Thieving Magpie” (1817), “Bianca and Faliero” (1819); at the same time t-put and other already widely known products. Rossini. There was also a post for the first time. J. Meyerbeer's operas "Marguerite of Anjou" (1820) and "Exile from Grenada" (1822) and most importantly. prod. S. Mercadante - “Elisa and Claudio” (1821) and “The Oath” (1837).

Since the 30s. 19th century the history of La Scala is connected with the work of the greatest composers of Italy - G. Donizetti, V. Bellini, G. Verdi, G. Puccini, many others. prod. which were fasting. here for the first time, incl. "The Pirate" (1827) and "Norma" (1831) by Bellini, "Lucrezia Borgia" (1833); Oberto (1839), Nebuchadnezzar (1842), Othello (1887) and Falstaff (1893) by Verdi, Madama Butterfly (1904) and Turandot (1926) by Puccini. In the 2nd half. 19th century and in the 20th century. The basis of the repertoire is still composed of productions. Italian composers, incl. First performed were “Mephistopheles” by Boito (1868), “La Gioconda” (1876), “Marion Delorme” (1885) by Ponchielli, “Valli” by Catalani (1892), “André Chénier” by Giordano (1896), as well as many others. operas by F. Cilea, F. Alfano, I. Pizzetti, O. Respighi, A. Casella, J. F. Malipiero and others. Fasting is increasingly being performed on the stage of La Scala. prod. world classics and modern composers. For the first time in Italy, the theater staged the operas “Faust” (1862), “Die Mastersingers of Nuremberg” (1889), “Siegfried” (1899), “Parsifal” and “Das Rheingold” (1903), “Eugene Onegin” (1900), "The Queen of Spades" (1906); “Salome” (1906), “Electra” (1909) and “Der Rosenkavalier” (1911) by R. Strauss, “Pelleas and Mélisande” by Debussy (1908), “Boris Godunov” (1909) and “Khovanshchina” (1926); “A Short Life” by de Falla (1934), “Peter Grimes” by Britten (1947), “The Trickster Fox” by Janacek (1958), “The Love for Three Oranges” by Prokofiev (1947), “Katerina Izmailova” (1964), etc. The first post took place here. operas “The Triumph of Aphrodite” by Orff (1953), “David” by Milhaud (1955), “Dialogues of the Carmelites” (1957) and “The Human Voice” (1959) by Poulenc, “Atlantis” by de Falla (1962).

Outstanding Italians performed at La Scala. and foreign singers: in the end 18 - beginning 19th centuries - C. Gabrielli, A. Catalani, F. M. Festa, I. Colbran, G. B. Roubini, L. Lablache, A. Tamburini; since the 30s 19th century - Giudita Grisi, G. Pasta, Giulia Grisi, M. Malibran, G. Strepponi, A. Cotogni; in the 70-90s. 19th century - T. Stolz, I. Campanini, S. X. Gaillarre, A. Patti, F. Tamagno, M. Battistini, E. Calve, X. Darkle, N. Melba, R. Storchio, A. Bonci, E. Giraldoni , E. Carelli; from the beginning 20th century - E. Caruso, Titta Ruffo, De Luca, R. Stracciari, N. De Angelis, M. Barrientos; in the 10-20s. 20th century - L. Bori, C. Galeffi, C. Muzio, T. Skipa, B. Gigli, G. Besanzoni, T. Dal Monte, A. Pertile; since the 40s 20th century - M. Caniglia, G. Di Stefano, M. Del Monaco, M. Callas, R. Tebaldi, G. Simionato, F. Barbieri, G. Guelfi, B. Christov, G. Sciutti, G. Tucci, F. Corelli and many more etc.; Russians sang here. artists - F. Litvin, F. I. Shalyapin, L. V. Sobinov, Ukrainian. singer S. A. Krushelnitskaya. In the 19th century The greatest conductors worked in the theater - F. Faccio, L. Mugnone, E. Mascheroni, R. Ferrari. In 1898-1903 and 1921-29 ch. The conductor of La Scala was A. Toscanini, whose activity is associated with the highest flowering of the theater. Toscanini's successors were A. Guarnieri and V. De Sabata. In the 40-60s. 20th century Conductors V. Gui, A. Votto, G. Santini, C. M. Giulini, G. Gavazzeni, N. Sanzogno, F. Molinari-Pradelli and others regularly performed here. conductor - C. Abbado.

Theater. the season at La Scala lasts from December to June. In the fall, the theater hosts symphonies. concerts. Most means. productions of the 60-70s. - “La Bohème” (1963), “The Ring of the Nibelung” (1963); Verdi's Macbeth (1964), Khovanshchina (1967 and 1971), Boris Godunov (1967); Donizetti's "Daughter of the Regiment" (1968), "The Siege of Corinth" (1969; for the first time in the 20th century) and "The Barber of Seville" (1969) by Rossini, "Norma" (1972). In the troupe of t-ra (1975): singers - F. Barbieri, F. Cossotto, I. Ligabue, L. Maragliano, R. Orlandi-Malaspina, M. Rinaldi, A. M. Rota, M. Siegele, R. Scotto , M. Freni; singers - C. Bergonzi, I. Vinco, V. Ganzarolli, G. Guelfi, N. Ghiaurov, C. Cava, R. Capecchi, P. Cappuccili, L. Pavarotti, B. Prevedi, G. Raimondi, M. Sereni, D. Chekkele and others. Well-known foreigners also perform in the t-t. singers - T. Berganza, P. Glossop, R. Crespin, P. Lorengar, M. Caballe, B. Sile, P. Domingo, R. Massar, B. Nilsson, L. Price, J. Sutherland, M. Talvela, S. Yurinac et al.; conductors - G. Karajan, A. Cluytens, V. Zawallisch, J. Pretre and others. First Sov. the singer who performed at La S. was T. A. Milashkina (Verdi’s Battle of Legnano, 1961). V.-K. also took part in La Scala performances. L. Noreika (“Madama Butterfly”, 1966), I. K. Arkhipova (“Khovanshchina”, 1967, 1971; “Boris Godunov”, 1967, 1973), M. S. Reshetin (“Khovanshchina”, 1967), L A. Nikitina (“Boris Godunov”, 1967), V. A. Atlantov (“Tosca”, 1975), E. V. Obraztsova (“Werther”, 1976). Since the 60s Young Soviet singers trained at La Scala.

T-r periodically goes on tour (Austria, Germany, Great Britain, West Berlin, Germany, Belgium, Canada). In the fall of 1964, exchange tours took place - “La Scala” in Moscow and the Bolshoi Theater in Milan, which served as the beginning of creativity. cooperation between two teams; in 1974 La Scala again toured Moscow.

26 Dec In 1955, with the play “The Secret Marriage” by Cimarosa, a branch of La Scala, Piccola Scala, was opened. Here, on a small stage (a hall with 500 seats), productions are staged. composers 17-18 and beginning 19th centuries, operas intended for small ensembles (chamber orchestra, choir and soloists), as well as Op. young authors. Among the operas staged in the 60s - early. 70s on the stage of the Piccola Scala: Rossellini's The Language of Flowers (premiere, 1963), Milhaud's The Unfortunate Orpheus, Poulenc's Breasts of Theresa, Purcell's Dido and Aeneas, Monteverdi's The Return of Ulysses, Testi's The Lower Depths (after M. Gorky; premiere, 1966), “The Heroes of Bonaventure” by Malipiero (premiere, 1969), “The Turn of the Screw” by Britten.

V. V. Timokhin

History of ballet

Since the founding of La Scala, ballet has occupied a significant place in its repertoire. On the opening day, along with Salieri’s opera “Recognized Europe”, the following ballets were shown: “Pafio and Mirra, or Captives of Cyprus” by Salieri (choreographer Legrand) and “Pacified Apollo, or the Appearance of the Sun after the Fall of Phaeton” by de Bayou (choreographer G. Canziani).

The first decades of the theater's existence are closely connected with the activities of choreographers: G. Angiolini (1779-1803 with interruptions), D. Rossi, P. Franchi, F. Clerico, L. Dupin, G. Monticini, U. Garcia and G. Gioia.

At the turn of the 18th-19th centuries, the following dancers worked here: Vulcani, Pelosini, R. Clerico-Panzeri, C. Pitro-Angiolini, A. Trabattoni, T. Monticini, T. Coralli, F. Angiolini; dancers - brothers Vulcani, Fabiani, Franki, G. Vestris; decorative artists - P. Gonzago, C. Caccianiga, F. Fontanesi, G. Galliari and others.

In the 19th century, the La Scala troupe became one of the centers of ballet art in Europe. In 1813, a ballet school was founded at the theater, where L. La Chapelle, C. Villeneuve, and Garcia taught. Since 1812, S. Vigano worked in the troupe, who staged his choreo-dramas: “The Works of Prometheus” (1813), “The Hussites near Neuburg” (1815), “Othello, or the Moor of Venice” (1818), “Vestal Virgin” (1818), "Titans" (1819), "Joan of Arc" (1821) - all on Sat. music

The greatest dancers performed on the stage of La Scala: F. Cerrito (1838-43), M. Taglioni (from 1841), F. Elsler (1838-48). In 1837-50, the La Scala school was headed by K. Blazis (together with A. Ramaccini), after him - O. Yus.

In the 2nd half of the 19th century, choreographers P. Taglioni, G. Casati, A. Cortesi, I. Monplaisir, G. Rota and others worked at La Scala, whose productions marked the crisis of romantic ballet. Extravaganza ballets were staged by L. Manzotti (“Excelsior”, 1881; “Love”, 1886; “Sport”, 1897) and his successors and epigones - A. Coppini, G. Pratesi and others.

At the same time, the ballet school trained a galaxy of outstanding dancers who became widely famous: G. Salvioni, R. Sangalli, F. Brambilla, A. Grassi, A. Bella, C. Cherry, C. Brianza, P. Legnani, V. Zucchi .

Since the late 90s, the ballet troupe and school have experienced a long period of stagnation. A new stage in the development of the ballet school began with the arrival of O. I. Preobrazhenskaya to teaching, and then E. Cecchetti (1925-28), who was replaced by C. Fornaroli (1928-33).

In the 30-40s, the troupe was replenished with talented dancers. In the 50-60s, the school was led by E. Balnes, and from the mid-70s by A. M. Prina.

The revival of ballet at La Scala is associated with the arrival of choreographer A. Millos (1924-75, with interruptions), who staged ballets by I. F. Stravinsky, B. Bartok, S. S. Prokofiev and modern Italian composers (A. Casella, G. Petrassi, F. Malipiero, L. Dallapiccola, V. Bucchi, L. Berio, R. Vlada, N. Rota, etc.).

Artists who worked in the theater were: M. Pompeii, G. De Chirico, E. Prampolini, R. Guttuso, N. A. Benois and others.

Since 1976, the troupe has been led by P. Dobrievich. The repertoire includes ballets of classical heritage: “Coppelia”, “Giselle”, “Swan Lake”, “The Nutcracker”; productions by J. Balanchine, M. Bejart, S. Lifar and others.

Among the productions of the late 70s (the names of the choreographers in brackets): “Daphnis and Chloe” (1975, J. Skibin); “Symphony of Psalms” to the music of Stravinsky (M. Spareblek), “The Tempest” to the music of Sibelius (L. Guy), “Othello” to the music of Dvorak (J. Butler), “Romeo and Juliet” (R. Fascilla after J. Cranko ) - all in 1976; “Cinderella” (P. Bortoluzzi); “Don Juan” by Gluck, “The Riot of Sisyphus” by Petrassi (Millos) - all in 1977.

In the troupe (1977): soloists - L. Cosi, L. Savignano, A. Accola, M. Cavagnini, B. Geroldi, R. Kovacs, E. Morini, A. M. Razzi; soloists - R. Faschilla, M. Pistoni, A. Moretto, D. Morganti, P. Podini, B. Telloli, B. Vescovo.

Ballet troupes and soloists from other countries performed at La Scala.

Opera originated in Italy and subsequently developed there as a musical and dramatic art. Since the beginning of the seventeenth century, Venice or Naples were considered opera centers. After the La Scala theater was built by order of the Austrian Queen Maria Theresa, the palm in this type of genre passed to Milan. So it remains to this day. This “Temple of Opera,” as it is usually called by the public, has its own choir, ballet troupe and unsurpassed orchestra, famous for their amazing performances throughout the world.

Background to Milanese Pride

The La Scala Theater was built on the site where a Milanese church once stood, which later gave its name to the new building. The building was designed by the then famous architect Gioseppe Piermarini and built over two years in 1778.

All the splendor of the building is hidden behind a strict and not particularly noticeable facade, which is made in the neoclassical style. La Scala (Milan) was built very quickly, since its predecessor burned down, and the Italian aristocracy demanded a faster outcome of construction and was eager for new performances. Therefore, no special attention was paid to the exterior, but this did not affect the interior decoration of the auditorium with ideal acoustics, where all the rules of optics were observed when arranging seats.

In addition to the opera and ballet, the building contained many places where the local public could be entertained. These were various gambling rooms and buffets, where large gambling gatherings took place and brought great pleasure to the Milanese aristocracy. Thus, for the whole country, La Scala became the real center of social life. Milan became a city where theatergoers and opera lovers from all over the world sought to visit.

The building underwent reconstruction more than once, and during the Second World War it was completely razed to the ground and then restored to its original form by the engineer and architect L. Secchi.

Artists and great people who performed within the walls of the theater

The greatest masters of that time created their works for La Scala. Italy always looked forward to what new things would appear in the seasons, which at that time were divided into spring, summer, autumn and carnival time. The first three always delighted the audience with serious operatic works, and the fourth was dedicated to ballet and various light theatrical productions.

In the nineteenth century, the majority of the theater's repertoire consisted of operas written by the famous master of bel canto, Gioacchino Antonio Rossini. It was thanks to him that the serious style of performing this genre came into fashion. Then Donizetti and Bellini surprised the audience with their works, and they were performed by well-known opera divas - Maria Malibran, Giudita Pasta and many others.

But the most significant event of that time was the arrival of the world-famous Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi at La Scala (Milan). It was thanks to him that Italian opera became so popular not only in Italy, but throughout Europe.

An equally significant turn of fate was the appearance at the theater of Arturo Toscanini, who already in his young years became famous thanks to the wonderful performance of the work “Aida”. Before him, there was a conductor at La Scala who completely did not meet any necessary requirements, but Toscanini was able to conquer even picky theatergoers with his playing. Subsequently, in addition to his main position, he also became an artistic director, which brought many positive changes to the life of the theater.

At the beginning of the twentieth century, on the stages of La Scala, Milan and its theater audience could see how the main opera divas of that century, such as Renata Tibaldi, fought for the title of prima, and many world celebrities performed here: Luciano Pavarotti, Enrico Caruso, Montserrat Caballe, Placiddo Domingo, as well as the best voices of Russia: Fyodor Chaliapin, Leonid Sobinov and many others.

Repertoire of our days

The theater opens its doors to art lovers on December 7, and the season ends in mid-summer. Today, the opera La Scala can be both classical and modern. Works by composers past and present can be heard from the stage. The best conductors, directors and artists from all over the world are invited to participate.

Once every two or three years, such famous plays and operas as “Aida”, “Falstaff” and “Othello”, created by Giuseppe Verdi, as well as “Madama Butterfly” by composer Giacomo Puccini and a work known to many theatergoers, are staged on the stage of the theater Vincenzo Belinni "Norma". They are presented to the public both in a classical style and in a modern adaptation - thanks to the unsurpassed technical parameters of the theater, which enable the director to realize any whim that he wants to use in a theatrical production. Therefore, the repertoire here always pleases its audience.

In addition to these greatest classics, you can find operas to suit every taste. For example, such world-class composers as Richard Wagner, Gioachino Rossini, Gaetano Donizetti, Pyotr Tchaikovsky, Modest Mussorgsky and Charles Francois Gounod.

Between opera and theater performances during the season, spectators are treated to concerts by various world stars and performances by their own choir accompanied by an orchestra.

What role does ballet play?

From the very first days of the theater's foundation, ballet art occupied a significant place in La Scala's repertoire. Milan and its public on the opening day saw a delightful production of “Prisoners of Cyprus”, the choreographer of which was the well-known Legrand.

The greatest people who played a significant role in ballet, such as L. Dupin, D. Rossi and U. Garcia, worked within the walls of the theater.

In the nineteenth century, the theater's ballet troupe became the most famous and popular in all of Europe. A little later, a ballet school was founded within the walls of La Scala, where the best choreographers taught.

Museum

Next to the theater building, there is another building, which houses many exhibits dedicated not only to La Scala, but to the entire operatic art of Italy in general. Here you can see costumes, personal belongings and photographs of famous artists, as well as a variety of musical instruments and even several board games that were once popular with theater audiences of yesteryear. Most of the collection of these items was purchased at auction in the early twentieth century.

Tickets and current rules

In order to enter the theater building, you must comply with a certain dress code. Men should wear beautiful formal suits, and ladies should wear long dresses with covered shoulders.

You can buy tickets to La Scala from 25 euros to several hundred. The opening day is the highest entry price, and it is better to reserve your seats in advance. During the rest of the season, you can pay about thirty euros to visit the theater, and this takes into account the fact that the seat is in the gallery.

Despite such prices, many opera lovers try to get here at the very beginning of the season.