La Scala Premieres La Forza del Destino

Milan's Teatro alla Scala opened its 2024-25 season with Giuseppe Verdi's 'La Forza del Destino,' marking its first performance at the venue in 59 years, amidst protests against the government and economic inequality. The opera's contemporary adaptation reflects ongoing global conflicts, with notable performances from Anna Netrebko as Leonora and Brian Jagde as Don Alvaro, who replaced Jonas Kaufmann due to personal reasons. Netrebko described the character of Leonora as complex and disconnected from her own experiences, while the opera's underlying themes resonate with today's tumultuous geopolitical landscape. The gala premiere, a significant cultural event, was overshadowed by the absence of key political figures attending the reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. This season also marks the end of Dominique Meyer’s tenure as La Scala's artistic director. The event coincided with pro-Palestinian demonstrations and union protests in Milan, highlighting the intersection of art and social issues.