A metaphorical stairway to heaven. That is one name for Teatro alla Scala. It is among the world’s most famous performing arts venues. The Opera House and Ballet School has influenced dance and music around the globe.
La Scala is more than just a theater. It represents Milan’s rich cultural heritage. It is a symbol of artistic excellence.
The story of Teatro alla Scala begins in 1776. A fire destroyed the Teatro Regio Ducale. Ninety wealthy Milanese citizens petitioned Archduke Ferdinand of Austria-Este for a new theatre. Giuseppe Piermarini designed the new theatre in a neoclassical style. Empress Maria Theresa approved a second plan in 1776.
Teatro alla Scala gets its name from the church of Santa Maria della Scala. The church was deconsecrated and demolished to make way for the theatre. Construction took two years. Pietro Marliani, Pietro Nosetti, Antonio, and Giuseppe Fe completed the work. La Scala opened on August 3, 1778. Antonio Salieri’s opera Europa riconosciuta was the premiere performance.
Originally, La Scala had about 3,000 seats in 678 pit-stalls. These were arranged in six tiers of boxes. Above that was the loggione or two galleries. The stage is one of the largest in Italy. Wealthy Milanese families bought and lavishly decorated the boxes. La Scala became a meeting place for the noble and rich. Spectators stood during performances. The orchestra pit was not yet built.
Like many theaters of the time La Scala was also a casino. Gambling took place in the foyer. In 1840, Mary Shelley noted the distractions in the auditorium. Horse-trading and stock-jobbing occurred during performances. Originally 84 oil lamps lit the stage. A thousand more lit the rest of the theatre. Rooms filled with water buckets reduced fire risks. Gas lamps replaced oil lamps. Electric lights were installed in 1883.
Renovations in 1907 gave La Scala its current layout with 1,987 seats. World War II bombing in 1943 severely damaged La Scala. It reopened on May 11, 1946. Arturo Toscanini conducted a memorable concert. Soprano Renata Tebaldi created a sensation.
La Scala hosted the first productions of many famous operas. It had a special relationship with Giuseppe Verdi. For some years, Verdi forbade performances of his work. He felt the orchestra had corrupted his music. The dispute began with Giovanna d’Arco in 1845. Verdi later conducted his Requiem there on May 25, 1874. La Scala hosted the premieres of Otello and Falstaff.
In 1982, the Filarmonica della Scala orchestra was established. It developed a symphonic repertoire. Carlo Maria Giulini and Riccardo Muti first conducted the Filarmonica.
A major renovation took place from 2002 to 2004. The opera company moved to the Teatro degli Arcimboldi during this time. Architect Mario Botta’s renovation proved controversial. Preservationists feared the loss of historic details. The opera company was happy with the improved acoustics. The stage was rebuilt. An enlarged backstage allowed for more sets.
Seats now feature monitors. These provide electronic librettos in multiple languages. La Scala reopened on December 7, 2004. Riccardo Muti conducted Salieri’s Europa riconosciuta. Tickets for the reopening cost up to €2,000.
The loggione is a famous part of the theatre. It is the seating area for less wealthy patrons. Winning over the loggione has become vital for performers. Their approval is known as a baptism of fire.
La Scala continues to be a beacon for opera and ballet. It nurtures new talent. It preserves its rich artistic legacy. As you stand before this grand theatre, remember its glorious past. Imagine the countless performances and the artists who have graced its stage. Teatro alla Scala remains a symbol of Milan and a treasure for the world.