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Milan

Things to do in Milan

Music and Concerts

TEATRO ALLA SCALA

The Teatro alla Scala is the reason why tourists come to Milan. It is one of the world's most prestigious opera houses.

 

HISTORY

Destroyed by fire in 1775, the theatre set up on a wing of the Palazzo Reale, the court of Vienna and Theatre Society came in agreement to move the theatre to a larger walled structure. They demolished the XIV century church of Santa Maria della Scala. In 1776-78 Permarini built a canonical room in horse-shoe shape, with six galleries for box and gallery seating, besides guaranteeing optimal acoustic quality, the wooden trusses hid a fire extinguishing reservoir. The façade, with a drive-through porch and pediment decorated by reliefs of Apollo's Carriage was expanded in 1830 from two wings into a terrace (Sanquirico et al). Several times, the interiors were remodelled (foyer and decorations); in 1906 Arturo Toscanini ordered the introduction of orchestra pit (until 1891 the stalls, all level and without fixed seats, could be used for parties and balls). Reconstructed by Secchi after it suffered war damage, it underwent renewed restoration efforts from 2002 to 2005.

 

Today the theatre is recognised as one of the leading opera and ballet theatres in the world and is home to the La Scala Theatre Chorus, La Scala Theatre Ballet and La Scala Theatre Orchestra. The theatre also has an associate school, known as the La Scala Theatre Academy, which offers professional training in music, dance, stage craft and stage management.

 

ORCHESTRA

Made out of 135 musicians, the Teatro alla Scala Orchestra, considered one of the world’s best orchestra for opera productions, has reached a prestigious international position also for its symphony activity. The main characteristic of the Orchestra is its capacity to obtain a uniform and distinguished sound, typical of the Teatro alla Scala style, handed down from generation to generation. The versatile and soft sound and the fast setting up of the opera timbre balancing are characteristic of the Teatro alla Scala Orchestra.

 

INTERIOR

The interior of La Scala might make you feel like you have stepped back in time. It is all red velvet and ornate gold decorations, and the walls are not walls but are row upon row of private boxes. You can absolutely imagine the well-to-do in their finery taking in an opera (and using their opera glasses to check out what the other patrons are wearing, too). It is such a fantastic experience to be sitting in one of those boxes.

 

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