If there’s one date that opera lovers circle on their calendars each year, it’s the opening night of the season at the iconic Teatro alla Scala in Milan. This historic venue, a veritable temple of music, has been the stage for some of the most important moments in operatic history. From its foundation in 1778 to the countless premieres of masterpieces by Giuseppe Verdi, Giacomo Puccini, and more, La Scala is where legends are born and history is written.
The Anticipation of Greatness
On Sunday, December 22, the curtain rose on Verdi’s La Forza del Destino, a sprawling, dramatic work written during the composer’s late period. Known for its intricate score and deeply emotional narrative, Forza is a treasure trove of musical delights—a veritable box of chocolates for the opera connoisseur. From its unforgettable overture to its poignant duets, powerful trios, and electrifying choral passages, this opera offers something for everyone.
The initial excitement around this year’s production was palpable. Originally, the dream cast was announced as Jonas Kaufmann, Ludovic Tézier, and Anna Netrebko—three of the brightest stars in opera today. Kaufmann, arguably the most celebrated tenor of our time; Tézier, a peerless Verdi baritone; and Netrebko, the reigning soprano diva—this trio set the opera world buzzing. When tickets went on sale on October 10, they were snapped up in minutes.
However, the operatic gods had other plans. Kaufmann stepped down and was replaced by the American tenor Brian Jagde, who later withdrew to welcome a new child into his life (congratulations, Brian!). In the end, it was the Italian tenor Luciano Ganci who stepped into the spotlight—a daunting task alongside the towering talents of Tézier and Netrebko. But what a triumph it turned out to be!
A Dynamic Production
The staging was a marvel of creativity, with a rotating central platform that allowed the action to flow seamlessly between scenes. This dynamic approach brought a fresh energy to the production, underscoring the drama and emotional intensity of the story.
The chorus of La Scala, always a highlight, was in extraordinary form. Their performance, particularly in the Act II “Rataplan” chorus and the climactic ensemble moments, sent shivers down my spine. The sheer power and precision of their singing reminded us why La Scala’s chorus is among the best in the world.
Riccardo Chailly’s Masterful Direction
On the podium, Riccardo Chailly, the music director of La Scala, delivered a masterclass in conducting Verdi. From the bombastic brilliance of the brass to the hushed silences that punctuate the drama, every note was imbued with meaning. Chailly’s meticulous attention to detail and his ability to draw out the emotional depths of Verdi’s score made for an unforgettable musical experience.
The Dream Duo: Netrebko and TĂ©zier
If Chailly’s conducting was the heartbeat of the evening, the soul undoubtedly came from Anna Netrebko and Ludovic Tézier. Their chemistry was electric, their voices perfectly matched.
Netrebko’s portrayal of Leonora was nothing short of sublime. Her aria “Pace, pace, mio Dio” was a masterclass in vocal control and emotional delivery, earning her a thunderous ovation. Tézier, as Don Carlo, was a force of nature, his rich baritone bringing gravitas and depth to the role. Every duet between them felt like an early Christmas gift, a reminder of the magic that can only be found in live opera.
Luciano Ganci, stepping into the role of Don Alvaro, exceeded all expectations. His bright, ringing tenor carried the emotional weight of the character, particularly in his Act III aria “O tu che in seno agli angeli”. It’s no easy feat to hold one’s own alongside such illustrious colleagues, but Ganci proved himself a worthy partner in this unforgettable trio.
An Evening to Remember
As the final notes of La Forza del Destino echoed through the hallowed halls of La Scala, the audience erupted in applause, a standing ovation that seemed to go on forever. It was a night of sheer operatic bliss, one that reminded us all why we keep coming back to this sacred art form.
With the promise of Norma in June, featuring another stellar cast, the season at La Scala is off to an extraordinary start. For now, we bask in the glow of a perfect evening and offer our thanks to Verdi, Chailly, and the incredible artists who made it all possible.
CASTING
Il marchese di Calatrava – Fabrizio Beggi
Donna Leonora – Anna Netrebko
Don Carlo di Vargas – Ludovic TĂ©zier
Don Alvaro – Luciano Ganci
Preziosilla – Vasilisa Berzhanskaya
Padre guardiano – Alexander Vinogradov
Fra Melitone – Marco Filippo Romano
Curra – Marcela Rahal
Un alcade – Huanhong Li
Mastro Trabuco – Carlo Bosi
Un chirurgo – Xhieldo Hyseni
